Essex Junction approves applying for Downtown Transportation Fund and adopts municipal resolution

The Essex Junction City Council and Planning Commission voted to recommend that the city apply for a Downtown Transportation Fund grant to advance design and engineering for a multilevel train and bus station and adopted a municipal resolution supporting the application.

Staff described a federal funding opportunity that could provide up to $3,000,000 for the project, with a required non-federal match of $750,000. Staff said the city currently has $750,000 identified in the economic development fund as a potential match and can front pre-award costs; those pre-award expenses may be reimbursable once the grant is fully obligated. Staff cautioned that federal and programmatic risks remain and that the city is in a pre-award authority stage.

The motion to recommend applying for the Downtown Transportation Fund grant was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the subsequent motion to adopt the municipal resolution to accompany the application also passed unanimously. Staff said they would circulate the resolution for signatures from the majority of the city council and the planning commission chair.

Councilors and commissioners discussed timing and risk. Several members urged continuing the design work so the city is ready if grant funding is confirmed, while noting the city must manage the risk that full implementation funds could be affected by broader federal funding changes.

The action advances the city’s effort to obligate federal funds for downtown transportation improvements and to position the Connected Junction elements for implementation should federal support be restored.