Vermont Congressional Delegation Secures $22.7 Million in Federal Funding for Winooski River Bridge Replacement

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Congressional Delegation, consisting of Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint, has announced a significant grant of $22.7 million to replace the Winooski River Bridge in Chittenden County. The federal funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program, is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This critical investment aims to replace and upgrade travel lanes, incorporate shared-use paths, and improve safety on the bridge for cars, bikes, and pedestrians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The grant of $22.7 million will specifically support the replacement and upgrade of the Winooski River Bridge, which has been in poor condition since its construction in 1928.
  • The project will feature improved materials, a wider sidewalk for pedestrians, and upgraded drainage systems to withstand extreme weather events driven by climate change.
  • The funding is provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the DOT's BUILD Grant Program.
  • The existing bridge is in need of replacement due to its poor condition and vulnerability to flooding.
  • The Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn has acknowledged the effort from the congressional delegation in securing this critical funding.
  • Governor Phil Scott has expressed appreciation for the delegation's efforts in bringing much-needed funding back to Vermont.

Statistics:

  • $22.7 million: The amount of federal funding secured by the Vermont Congressional Delegation for the Winooski River Bridge replacement.
  • 1928: The year the existing Winooski River Bridge was built.
  • 3 years: The number of years that Vermont has been impacted by flooding.
  • 2026 (FY26): The fiscal year for which the congressional delegation nominated the project for $8 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS).

Sources:

  • Vermont Congressional Delegation: "Vermont Congressional Delegation Announces $22.7 Million Grant to Replace Winooski River Bridge"
  • Senator Bernie Sanders: press@sanders.senate.gov
  • Senator Peter Welch: Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov
  • Representative Becca Balint: Sophie.Pollock@mail.house.gov