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Chittenden County TAC backs public hearing for $278.5 million FY24–27 Transportation Improvement Program
Summary
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed the draft FY24–27 Transportation Improvement Program — a $278.5 million, four-year, federally funded slate — and unanimously recommended the board warn a public hearing and approve the TIP in July.
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) Transportation Advisory Committee on June 6 reviewed and moved to advance the draft FY24–27 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a fiscally constrained, prioritized four‑year list of federally funded transportation projects for the region totaling $278.5 million (not including airport funds).
CCRPC Senior Transportation Planner Christine Forde reviewed the TIP development process and described the program as a multi-year, prioritized list of projects that must be ready for design, have funding, and be listed in the state’s capital program. The draft TIP includes large projects such as improvements at I‑89 Exits 16 and 17, Champlain Parkway and several major paving projects as well as numerous sidewalks, bridges, stormwater/environmental projects and transit investments.
Committee members praised the number of large projects moving forward and raised questions about project readiness and prior planning work. Bryan Osborne, representing Colchester and presiding at the meeting, asked whether the VT2A Improvements project, which shows preliminary engineering in FY25, is based on the previous scoping report; Amy Bell of VTrans said she would follow up with staff to confirm. Several members urged faster progress on projects already in the pipeline.
After discussion, Barbara Elliott moved that the TAC recommend the CCRPC board warn a public hearing for the draft FY24–27 TIP at the board’s June meeting and approve the TIP at the board’s July meeting; Bruce Hoar seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Votes at a glance • Consent agenda approved — mover: Barbara Elliott; seconder: Jonathon Weber; outcome: passed unanimously. • Approval of May 2, 2023 minutes — mover: Barbara Elliott; seconder: Bob Henneberger; outcome: passed unanimously. • Recommendation to warn public hearing and approve FY24–27 TIP — mover: Barbara Elliott; seconder: Bruce Hoar; outcome: passed unanimously. • Adjournment — mover: Lisa Schaeffler; seconder: Barbara Elliott; outcome: passed unanimously.
The committee also announced a range of grant and program opportunities: VTrans Bike/Ped grant applications due June 9; Highway Safety Improvement Program small-scale grants for town roads (construction only) due June 16; FHWA Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program NOFO (approximately $111.85 million) with applications due Aug. 1 via Grants.gov; and the EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program NOFO with applications due Aug. 22. Green Mountain Transit indicated it is considering resuming fares in January 2024 and scheduled a public meeting June 15 in Burlington to gather input.
The CCRPC board will receive the TAC recommendation; a public hearing will be warned and the board is expected to consider the TIP in July. The TAC’s next meeting is scheduled for July 11 and is expected to be virtual and brief.
