Housing development and conversations underway across Vt.

VERGENNES, Vt. (WCAX) - New homes could be under construction soon, with leaders trying to break down barriers to development.

Senator Peter Welch will be in Vergennes to discuss the things preventing quick and affordable housing developments in Vermont.

The senator will be joined by local and state leaders, as well as housing developers and contractors.

The conversation will also include how the federal government can help ease the housing shortage.

That conversation comes as a housing development gets underway in Randolph.

After years of planning and fundraising, the Randolph area community development corporation is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for the second phase of the Salisbury Square Village.

Phase two will complete the road and underground infrastructure, and add 21 new units of housing, some of which will be affordable.

And new housing investments is coming to the Marble City.

Specifics about those investments are expected in an announcement Wednesday by state treasurer Mike Pieciak and Rutland City mayor Mike Doenges.

The funds stem from Pieciak's '10 percent in Vermont' local investment program which invests up to 10% of the state's cash deposits in economic development or job creation via low-interest loans.

That announcement is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday.