NOTICE
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
- SPECIAL-
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 10:00AM
AGENDA
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair
George Ambrose, Clerk
Robert Congdon, Selectman
Cash Ruane, Selectman
Kimberly Young, Administrative Assistant
Bob Knudsen
Paul Carroccio
-Call to Order
Chair Klopchin calls the meeting to order at 10:00 AM
-Additions/Deletions – N/A
-New Business
Discussion of the Grant for Economic Regional Feasibility Study in relation to the Rutland Regional Airport possibly becoming a transportation and economic hub. Select Board to decide if the Town of Clarendon should serve as a co-applicant for this project.
Clerk George Ambrose opens the discussion with questions on the project itself and seeks for the underlying reasons for the project. Ambrose felt that the material previously presented was lacking in its depth of information. A Memorandum of Understanding has been typed up as an agreement between the Town of Clarendon Select Board and the Airport Vice Chair. Selectman Congdon reads aloud this memorandum:
The Clarendon Select Board has reviewed the request from Bob Knudsen, Vice Chair of the Rutland Airport Committee, asking the Town of Clarendon to serve as an interested applicant for a project through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).
The Town of Clarendon is willing to express interest in participating in this application because we believe the project has the potential to create economic opportunities and benefits for the region and for the State of Vermont.
In agreeing to participate, The Town of Clarendon sets forth the following conditions:
- No Financial Contribution
The Town of Clarendon will not provide any financial support for the project, including monetary contributions, labor or tax abatements.
- Grant Administration (If required)
Should it become necessary for the Town of Clarendon to serve as the Grant Administrator, the Town agrees to do so at a rate of $75 per hour, per staff member.
- Participation in the Application Process
During the grant application process, the Town of Clarendon is willing to have designated representatives attend meetings as needed to assist in facilitating the completion and submission of required forms and applications.
This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the Town of Clarendon’s interest in supporting regional development efforts while maintaining the conditions outlined above.
Chair Klopchin who has been on the Airport Committee for many years feels that the long-term benefit of this project will help the tax payers. Selectman Ruane feels that this project will add needed infrastructure.
Guest Paul Carroccio speaks to the airport committee members goal to make the airport more viable. Currently there are obstacles with water, sewer, no fire protection water, ADA incompliance and an insufficient terminal. The big picture looking 50-100 years ahead is to modernize the terminal and have it serve as a transportation and economic hub. Carroccio and Knudsen are here today because the airport is in the Town of Clarendon. The State of VT owns it in our town. Permit and taxation go through our town. The Feasibility Study which would bring in engineering and economics through this grant could either justify the project or answer that it may not be viable to proceed.
Selectman Congdon questions if the terminal had more capabilities, could it take on bigger planes. Carroccio answers that it could take regional jets, the largest possible a 737. Knudsen comments that the possibility would be for regional, single and double engine planes and jets.
Carroccio discusses the importance of the NBRC grant (transportation grant) that came about as an option just 2 weeks ago. The pre-application is due this Friday. Clarendon is a natural fit for being the applicant in this preliminary step for the study. Selectman Ambrose, who is not opposed to this idea, does raise questions concerning insufficient interstate roads for traffic to the airport, a stagnant population and is the money really free money? Knudsen expresses his devotion to this project and his opinion that future growth is why they want to do this project. Geographically it is in a sweet spot. Carroccio explains that some of the incoming to the airport would be considered low impact for schools, but would contribute a lot to the tax base in terms of fuel, food, restaurants etc.
Selectman Congdon ends the Special Meeting with a motion for the Select Board to sign the Memorandum of Understanding in support of the pursuit of the Grant for Economic Regional Feasibility Study with the Town of Clarendon being the lead applicant. Selectman Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved by all attending board members. Guest Knudsen and Carroccio additionally sign the document.
-Public Comments -N/A
-Adjournment
The meeting is adjourned at 10:30 AM.
NOTICE
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
- SPECIAL-
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 10:00AM
AGENDA
-Call to Order
-Additions/Deletions
-New Business
Discussion of the Grant for Economic Regional Feasibility Study in relation to the Rutland Regional Airport possibly becoming a transportation and economic hub. Select Board to decide if the Town of Clarendon should serve as a co-applicant for this project.
-Public Comments
-Adjournment
