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S 287

An act relating to studying the construction of a self-funding limited access highway replacing Route 22A and linking Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to Interstate 87

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Baruth and 9 co-sponsors

Study feasibility of a self-funding, limited-access highway replacing parts of Route 22A to connect Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to I-87, potentially toll-funded.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Transportation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 287

Summary of Bill S.287 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and Intent

  • S.287 proposes studying the construction of a self-funding, limited-access highway project. The highway would replace a segment of Route 22A and connect the cities of Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to Interstate 87.
  • The core aim is to evaluate a new financing and tolling model that would fund the construction and maintenance without requiring ongoing traditional general fund appropriations, by using a self-funding mechanism.

Key Provisions

  • Study Mandate: The bill directs state officials to study the feasibility, design, and financing of a self-funding limited-access highway corridor that would:
    • Replace or bypass portions of existing Route 22A.
    • Provide a direct or improved connection between Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to I-87.
  • Funding and Financing Model: The study would assess mechanisms that could allow the project to fund itself over time. This may include tolls or other user-based revenue sources, public-private partnership structures, tolling policies, and debt/financing arrangements.
  • Scope of Corridor: The study would identify potential routing options, environmental and community impacts, land use implications, and alignment with regional transportation needs.
  • Economic and Regional Impact: Analysis of potential economic development benefits, freight/agriculture implications, traffic relief on local routes, and regional connectivity benefits.
  • Environmental and Regulatory Review: Evaluation of environmental impacts, mitigation requirements, and compliance with state and federal environmental laws.
  • Alternatives and Comparisons: The study would compare the proposed corridor with existing routes and other capacity improvements, including cost estimates and benefit-cost analyses.

Affected Parties

  • Vermont State Government: Transportation Agency (and relevant departments) would lead and conduct the study, with input from statewide transportation planners.
  • Regional Stakeholders: Municipalities along the proposed corridor (Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, Rutland) and adjacent communities, as well as regional planning commissions.
  • Public and Private Sectors: Potential tolling entities, private sector partners in a possible public-private partnership, and any entities involved in financing, construction, operation, and maintenance.
  • General Public: Residents and businesses in the corridor would be affected by any tolling, construction impacts, and long-term accessibility changes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • First Reading: January 21, 2026 — S.287 was read and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
  • Next Steps: The Transportation Committee would be expected to conduct hearings, solicit public input, and develop a detailed feasibility/report back to the Senate with findings, recommendations, and potential next steps (e.g., legislative proposals, financing strategies).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Transportation Benefits: If feasible, a self-funding, limited-access corridor could improve regional connectivity, reduce congestion on current routes, and enhance freight movement to I-87.
  • Financial Implications: A self-funding model would shift reliance toward user fees or private investment, potentially reducing need for general state funds but introducing tolls or toll-equivalent charges.
  • Environmental and Community Impacts: Large-scale highway projects require extensive environmental reviews, right-of-way acquisition, and mitigation measures—these would be evaluated in the study.
  • Timing and Legislation: As a study bill, S.287 does not authorize immediate construction; it sets the groundwork for understanding viability and legislative path to any future capital project or financing framework.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar past Vermont studies or outline a brief pros/cons analysis based on typical self-funding highway projects.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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