Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
TAC members discuss state budget pause for Class 2 and Structures grants, $6M supplemental Town Highway Aid proposed
Summary
Members flagged a VLCT report that VTrans is proposing a one-year pause in Class 2 and Town Highway Structures grants for FY21 and instead proposed $6 million in supplemental Town Highway Aid to support all towns; towns currently in the grant queue would retain their position.
Committee members discussed a statewide transportation-budget proposal that would pause Class 2 and Town Highway Structures grants for one year while providing $6 million in supplemental Town Highway Aid to all towns.
Why it matters: Towns that expected Class 2 or Structures grant awards this construction season were told awards would not result in construction this season; the proposed supplemental aid is intended to provide some financial support while preserving queue positions for existing applicants.
Dennis Lutz referenced a recent Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) newsletter noting "a one-year pause in Town Highway Structures and Town Highway Class 2 grants for FY21," and asked for clarification from VTrans. Justin Rabidoux said he had asked District 5 and did not have additional information. Amy Bell explained that, because the FY21 state budget picture was uncertain amid COVID-19, the Agency determined that awarding the grants would not result in construction this season and proposed instead to provide $6 million in supplemental Town Highway Aid to support all towns while moving the queued projects forward to next year, keeping their place in the queue. The proposal had been submitted to the Legislature and was under deliberation.
Committee members were advised that towns with concerns should contact their legislators. Justin Rabidoux noted the TAC's next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6, 2020.
Next steps: the Legislature will consider the Agency's proposal; CCRPC staff encouraged municipalities to monitor the budget deliberations and contact legislators as needed.
