Among the political appointees of the Shumlin Administration are many who are new to their jobs. But Brian Searles appointment as head of the Agency of Transportation signals a return to the position he held during the Dean Administration.
Along with tackling chronic challenges like deteriorating roads and bridges, the new administration has indicated it will place new emphasis on public transportation.
We talk with Searles about his agency’s priorities. If you have comments or questions about Vermont’s transportation infrastructure post them below or email vermontedition@vpr.net.
Also Burlington Free Press reporter Candace Page talks about efforts to control sea lamprey. The species has been damaging trout and salmon populations in Lake Champlain, but the state says efforts to combat it are producing results.
And we mark the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with gospel music performed by the Middlebury College MLK Spiritual Choir directed by Francois Clemmons. The choir performs each year as part of the college’s MLK day events.