[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6361485,"mediaKeyId","2170599-c7eaf230e565b469b6387b4ff297c1b1","parentId",2170599,"title","Municipal leaders ask Legislature to bolster emergency road funds and consider revenue sharing","audioSeconds",472,"startMs",3091170,"endMs",3563670,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170599-c7eaf230e565b469b6387b4ff297c1b1&start=3091&end=3563","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170599-c7eaf230e565b469b6387b4ff297c1b1/thumbnail_3091170.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6361485/Vermont/Municipal-leaders-ask-Legislature-to-bolster-emergency-road-funds-and-consider-revenue-sharing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361485-4738e1f59567ac841002a59ff6bd7847/orig.mp4?Expires=1777318088&Signature=RXX6juUFHCi-1D~Yt1ozYwU3fS37QKtB9opgWPBBSWT-wU8l9tiN5hix0bNVhNaOyVRO-1BreyMgbErxfAPsasxxKB-aO5JGNr17gbppypg9z-Y3VG9rvP04JH6DSioxNMa~dRqlerEmxfdRboYEl9jSWmypAe9OII2IdHF56ayoNU1VNSX6A-I6M0hLn29R6~vI81AVciimh3H7TgiqUNOiqAyy29cP4p~l-rGndETDK-ejlpbKmLDi1WhWtMpuBFcXJfrALpfLyMq02uB93X3sjXlMZ5cSsAxC-HoM3oR0OPZLhxlTHNMuHsj3iuC-7WyulQ1Akw5gBmSlO4O7lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-30T14:01:53Z","article","Representatives of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) told the Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 25 that municipalities need stronger, more predictable financial tools to maintain roads, fix bridges and respond quickly to disasters.

Samantha Sheehan, municipal policy and advocacy specialist at VLCT, said the organization supports the state’s climate and electrification goals but urged lawmakers to “mindfully diversify the transportation fund revenue sources” so municipalities are not left with disproportionate burdens. VLCT staff described municipal requests this session that include topping up the Town Highway Emergency Fund, new short-term emergency borrowing authority for selectboards to cover immediate hazard repairs while awaiting federal reimbursement, and expanded authority for municipalities to hold unassigned fund balances for project readiness and grant matching.

Why it matters: VLCT witnesses said the Town Highway Emergency Fund is underfunded and that smaller towns especially lack the staff capacity to prepare projects for state grant programs. Sheehan described technical-assistance work VLCT provides — including help to secure federal ARPA funds and a recent role in assembling roughly $8 million in grant funding for a South Burlington transportation project — and urged the committee to fund municipal project-readiness programs so towns can apply successfully for state and federal grants.

Revenue proposals and equity concerns: VLCT staff floated one revenue approach discussed by several committee members: remitting a portion of vehicle registration fees to the municipality where the vehicle is registered so local governments receive revenue that aligns with wear-and-tear on local roads. Staff said such revenue-sharing exists in neighboring states and would enable small towns to plan multiyear capital budgets and to meet grant match requirements.

VLCT also asked for language enabling selectboards to access emergency borrowing through the bond bank for up to five years to pay for repairs and to improve the consistency and transparency of municipal accounts (for example, allowing municipalities to retain unassigned fund balances). The League’s transportation committee members told senators they remain concerned that State transportation budgets and grant programs do not consistently account for municipal needs.

Ending: VLCT asked the Senate Transportation Committee to work with the Agency of Transportation and municipal partners to build a consistent statewide inventory of municipal road and bridge needs, to increase emergency fund capacity, and to explore revenue-sharing or other stable funding mechanisms so towns can maintain the basic infrastructure that enables broader state transportation and climate goals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Transportation - 2025-01-30 - 9:00AM","oneSentenceSummary","The Vermont League of Cities and Towns told the Senate Transportation Committee that municipalities need clearer, more reliable funding and emergency borrowing authority to respond to frequent disasters and to maintain rural roads and bridges.","taxTitle","Senate Transportation, SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",51841,"location","Vermont","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6361490,"Local Motion and CATMA push active-transportation steps: safe passing law, TDM expansion, and school bike education",1992,180000,2172205,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170599-c7eaf230e565b469b6387b4ff297c1b1&start=180&end=2172","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170599-c7eaf230e565b469b6387b4ff297c1b1/thumbnail_180000.jpg","/articles/6361490/Vermont/Local-Motion-and-CATMA-push-active-transportation-steps-safe-passing-law-TDM-expansion-and-school-bike-education","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361490-da00be61478df6b8697b295e83ffe2d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1777318088&Signature=EftWU28Hxcy1diSAdtRrK8P~~c0Wh4FTwMkBkv6foLI6CHdhxllRzQo5JcVZlF1zW0eJiR7xZfaqLlwzXZXaxRqYWYUi2YWeYDUHqcc0AGnO1ljfXyJ8ng-2CBuYI0rNc9OTjHyHI1U3Qly9QmLnaE9w3EB7rGxinNrNTItu0wVqpcan6mysxUp2A7OP9WICNrSjpg6zLQkI-THKaNPBTBXKhWCgUWAJ3W4cRekMVEVwUPbFeikQM5MOOiqRJHSbnPuyQ5zZeuBul-CzJ4DmUhLMLti1X5iWc1mFHcBh4FC320Bp9MdZjb85uTiBuL7f9y98qk5EBTp2qKMNpneLIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Local bicycle and pedestrian advocates and the Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association (CATMA) told the Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 25 that a mix of low-cost policy changes, employer-focused demand-management programs and restored program funding would increase safe walking and biking and reduce reliance on cars.

“Transportation is a really significant part of that work,” Katie Gallagher of the Transportation for Vermonters coalition told senators, introducing presenters from CATMA and Local Motion. Jonathan Weber, programs director at Local Motion, highlighted recent statutory changes to “vulnerable user” rules and the safe-passing requirement, noting that the legislature had struck the word “recommended” from the prior language and that the revised statute now enables posting signage and permits enforcement. Weber said the change supports education and enforcement efforts and can improve safety for both residents and visiting cyclists.

CATMA’s Sandy Thiebaud described employer-focused transportation demand management programs (TDM) and said many employers will invest if reliable services exist. Thiebaud cited CATMA’s annual institution and employer survey and related TDM impacts: CATMA surveyed roughly 12,000 employees this year (about a 25% employee response rate and a 16% student response rate) and reported a 7 percentage-point drop in drive-alone rates among off-campus students. Thiebaud said employers that participate in unlimited transit-access programs contribute substantial sums — “they contribute over $400,000 a year” at institutions such as UVM and Champlain College — demonstrating employer willingness to fund alternatives when services are available.

Local Motion said safer, connected infrastructure is critical and available grants are underfunded. Jonathan Weber pointed to projects such as a shared-use path on Route 15 in Colchester as the kind of work the state should expand; he also recommended low-cost regulatory fixes at intersections and signage to align traffic laws with how people actually move on bikes. Christina Erickson, Local Motion executive director, and Weber emphasized inclusive language (“rolling”) to include wheelchairs and assistive mobility devices in safety planning.

On education and programs: Local Motion described BikeSmart, a school-based cycling education program that uses three trailers stocked with bikes and curriculum; the program reaches a portion of schools each year but is constrained by funding. Weber said the statewide Safe Routes to School program was underfunded this year and requested additional support so Local Motion can deliver a more comprehensive program to more districts. Advocates also asked the committee to sustain the statewide e-bike incentive program targeted to low-income Vermonters and to consider restoring bridge funding after the loss of an expected federal grant.

Ending: Advocates asked the committee for modest, practical measures — better signage and enforcement, support for employer TDM where transit exists, and restored funding for school-based bike education and e-bike incentives — as near-term ways to improve safety, equity and access across Vermont’s transportation network.","Speakers from Local Motion and CATMA told the Senate Transportation Committee that low-cost street-safety fixes, stronger transportation demand management (TDM) for employers, and restored funding for school and e-bike programs would expand options and safety for walking, biking and rolling across Vermont.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6361495,"Advocates warn Vermont transit faces fiscal cliff, urge lawmakers to find sustainable funding",250,20855,271380,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170599-c7eaf230e565b469b6387b4ff297c1b1&start=20&end=271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170599-c7eaf230e565b469b6387b4ff297c1b1/thumbnail_20855.jpg","/articles/6361495/Vermont/Advocates-warn-Vermont-transit-faces-fiscal-cliff-urge-lawmakers-to-find-sustainable-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361495-830605a09e9c763a8d5113d5807b4f3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1777318088&Signature=U7h2Jtj3qoFhg74PqhPXxrLcYQ~lJpiv2s7wyRPtgeo-v99Dyu0vbe4ZwYUG2wo3NXL2JzJWXfdxo-XmiagFJXYSLieW3197HdSmZugkf0O5JNnq3omIyfQJgTlfdb5E2w1Zf5OpSUYkPnXx8xd2ejZb80slXih-FzLZVun-KiCCwucTmY0hhkvRHKUCj2mtm0uVGJPc5KNOALszvTIwsj8aOBpBaHep7O85XwwAnDM0xAPiDP2oAA6S53R9d8GZ3HyTBvqCvGxZc2Ik5iZCH8h~L~RwFUJ7beCbhqjqI7Cu0dMBN4wD7SY9RSrBHxKbZDicZp~7Zhyhrg~34VBMlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Advocates representing a statewide transportation coalition told the Vermont Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 25 that existing revenue streams for transportation are not sustainable and that transit providers across Vermont are beginning to cut service.

The coalition said the state’s transportation fund (the T Fund) depends heavily on revenue sources that do not grow with the economy, and that leave transit providers vulnerable. Katie Gallagher, who coordinates the Transportation for Vermonters coalition and is sustainable communities program director at the Vermont Natural Resources Council, said, “the status quo is not working for Vermonters or for our environment.” Gallagher and others urged the legislature to examine recent studies and to identify “sustainable dedicated sources of funding.”

Why it matters: Several presenters warned that shortfalls are already appearing. Gallagher said Green Mountain Transit, the state’s largest transit provider, has cut services and that rural operators are “kind of next on that fiscal cliff.” Sandy Thiebaud of the Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association (CATMA) told senators that much of the T Fund’s revenue is flat while one of the few growing sources — purchase-and-use tax revenue — currently routes a portion to the education fund rather than the T Fund. “Until the T Fund has a consistent... revenue,” Thiebaud said, “you’re gonna see inconsistent programs across the board.”

Presenters suggested multiple possible responses. Gallagher and others discussed seeking “bridge funding” in the Budget Adjustment Act to sustain specific incentive programs, and recommended the legislature consider revenue options that grow with the economy. One idea discussed was remitting a portion of vehicle registration fees to the municipality where a vehicle is registered, so localities that bear wear-and-tear costs receive a stable share of revenue. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) also urged revenue-sharing and warned that declines in the T Fund would make it harder for municipalities to maintain roads and to meet emerging needs such as heavier delivery vehicles and increased tourism traffic.

Speakers emphasized the need for better data to make the case for funding changes. VLCT representatives said there is no consistent statewide inventory showing how far behind municipalities are on local road and bridge maintenance, and argued that tracking need and project readiness is essential to effective budgeting and grant-making.

On programs and short-term fixes: Gallagher said the state’s EV and e-bike incentive programs have been successful at expanding transportation options for low- and moderate-income Vermonters, but lost expected federal grant funding this year. She asked the legislature to consider bridge funding in the Budget Adjustment Act and longer-term commitments for the programs. Gallagher also noted the coalition is still evaluating the state-commissioned study of a “revenue-generating emission reduction policy tool” (commonly described as cap-and-invest), and has not taken a position pending that report.

Context and next steps: VLCT asked the committee to consider increasing the Town Highway Emergency Fund and to authorize short-term emergency borrowing for selectboards so municipalities can respond immediately to disasters while awaiting federal reimbursements. Coalition members urged the Senate Transportation Committee to review recent funding studies and to engage non-transportation budget areas (health, human services, housing) in identifying revenue that supports shared policy goals such as access to medical appointments and housing-related mobility needs.

Ending: Senators and presenters agreed the committee will need better, consistent data and clearer funding proposals to pursue legislative changes. Advocates said they will supply additional cost estimates and suggested legislative study or targeted appropriations this session to shore up transit and municipal road funding before more service cuts occur.","Coalition speakers told the Senate Transportation Committee that Vermont's transportation funding sources are flat or declining, putting transit providers and local road maintenance at risk and prompting calls for new, growing revenue sources and targeted bridge funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Municipal leaders ask Legislature to bolster emergency road funds and consider revenue sharing

Local Motion and CATMA push active-transportation steps: safe passing law, TDM expansion, and school bike education

Advocates warn Vermont transit faces fiscal cliff, urge lawmakers to find sustainable funding