It was great to see representatives from our district recently at the State House in celebration of Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day. In 2023, this industry contributed more than $2 billion to the state’s economy. The day was a reminder of the vast impact of this sector on Vermont, in terms of attracting tourism, protecting lands, and improving overall health and happiness. We are fortunate to have access to many forms of outdoor recreation already, and I am personally supportive of expanding this access through projects like the Mad River Path’s Route 100 Transportation Corridor project.
TRANSPORTATION
If you have specific ideas about how to amend Vermont’s vehicle-safety inspection process, plan to attend the Senate Transportation Committee’s public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to share your views on this topic directly with legislators. Sign up by contacting the committee assistant.
House Transportation heard testimony on a bill (H-810) intended to assist municipalities in the protection of their covered bridges. We saw an example of a beautiful iron structure—fabricated by students—installed in front of Lyndonville’s covered bridge to stop trucks from entering and damaging the structure. Given the talent in our community, and the vulnerability of our bridges, this seems like an idea worth considering.
We heard testimony on wildlife crossings along our highways, which have benefited from the state’s adoption of a science-based vision to accommodate wildlife crossings in the Agency’s design standards. The top priority in this area is the Sharkeeville Wildlife project—currently on-hold—an important habitat connector that would allow the crossing of large animals in the Bolton area. Wildlife encounters with automobiles account for $8 billion/year nationally in property damage alone.
We’ve heard from many regional planning districts throughout Vermont to better understand the challenges of the towns they represent, which include: the desire for more autonomy in installing traffic-calming measures in downtowns and villages; public transit funding; lengthy and costly review processes for bike-pedestrian infrastructure; and insufficient funding for bridge and culvert repair and replacement, town highway maintenance, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure.
The Agency of Transportation’s redesign of exit 17 off Rt. 89 in Colchester will include the installation of a wrong-way driver correction system. This is a pilot program that will provide data to the agency and allow for evaluation for use in other parts of the state.
RURAL HEALTH
I attended a meeting to learn more about the $195 million Rural Health Transformation grant from the federal government, whose purpose is “to help states modernize rural health systems by improving access, quality, and sustainability through infrastructure, workforce, and care model transformation.” Initiatives that will be funded include strengthening primary care, utilizing EMS, mobile health/dental, and expanding complex care in nursing facilities. This money must be obligated by October 30, 2026, and spent by September 30, 2027.
I attended a Bystander Training presented by Migrant Justice, in which we were reminded of the ten-fold increase in documented detentions in Vermont from 2024-2025. Migrant Justice is an excellent resource for those who want to be reminded of how to be prepared in the event of an immigration raid.
BILLS PASSED
H-527, an act extending the sunset of existing legislation regarding the siting of cellphone towers
H-898, an act relating to establishing consumer protections related to legacy telephone company’s transition from copper to fiber-based network.
H-626, an act relating to sexual extortion, voyeurism, and disclosure of sexually explicit images without consent.
H-541, an act relating to interference with voters or election officials
Please join Representative Torre and me for a Constituent Gathering on Friday, Feb. 20, 4:00 p.m. at Mad River Valley Arts in Waitsfield. I will also be hosting a constituent Zoom on Monday, Feb. 23 at noon—details at candicewhite4vt.com. I look forward to seeing many of you at your Town Meetings on Tuesday, Mar. 3.
