Vermont transportation officials outline FY26 aviation budget, prioritize safety, easements and airport repairs

The Vermont Agency of Transportation presented its proposed fiscal 2026 aviation budget to the House Transportation Committee on Jan. 30, 2025, emphasizing safety, FAA partnership and state Transportation Fund (T‑Fund) support for projects at 10 state‑owned airports.

Agency aviation program manager Evan Robinson told the committee that "safety and compliance are the number 1 priorities" guiding the department's budget and project choices, and said the agency is coordinating closely with the Federal Aviation Administration on a five‑year capital improvement plan.

Robinson said the agency is pursuing avigation easements at Bennington after an obstruction study and an environmental assessment; the easements would grant long‑term airspace rights to address tree and other approach hazards. He also described an apron reconstruction project at Bennington that has a FY25 grant, a contract awarded, and construction planned to start in spring and finish in early FY26. He said work will include removing existing pavement, replacing subbase material, tie‑down work, repaving and remarking.

At Rutland, Robinson said the agency will fund ongoing maintenance of the engineered materials arresting system (EMAS)…