Council asks: Why roads, not rail?

The state will borrow an additional $10 million for transportation projects as part of an economic stimulus package. But members of a state advisory council were dismayed to learn this week that none of that money will go to improve the rail network in Vermont.

Douglas proposes emergency road repair program

Governor Jim Douglas has come up with an emergency repair program in response to the chorus of criticism about the state’s bad roads. But administration officials and legislative leaders say the program is not designed as a long-term fix for the state’s aging transportation system.

Senate leaders propose using capital gains tax to repair bridges and roads

Vermont’s capital gains tax could be used to help pay for transportation projects. Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate are drafting a proposal to close a tax loophole, and use the savings to improve the state’s roads and bridges. But the Douglas Administration wants to use the money to lower income taxes for middle and upper income Vermonters.

Vt transportation infrastructure faces challenges

Transportation Secretary Neale Lunderville says he doesn’t think the state should borrow money to help repair the state’s transportation system. Lunderville says he hopes to dedicate enough money for road, bridge and culvert repairs by reorganizing the priorities of his agency.

VPR Evening News September 18th, 2007

A prominent Vermont lawyer who represents a prisoner at Guantanamo Bay,Cuba, is concerned that the federal government is tapping his phones, A new study concludes the price tag to repair the states roads and bridges is larger than previously projected, Governors are the country are concerned about federal funding for a children’s health insurance program that is due to run out by the end of the month, and Commentator Bill Shubart wonders if local lessons can be drawn from the exodus of Bush Administration officials.

Road repair cost projection higher than anticipated

According to a new study, the price tag to repair the state’s roads and bridges is larger than previously projected. The Douglas Administration says it can meet these needs without increasing the state’s transportation budget but several key lawmakers are skeptical about the Administration’s approach.