Transportation Committee

The House Committee on Transportation considers matters relating to all air and surface transportation, the registration, regulation, and licensing of transportation operations and users, the construction and maintenance of thoroughfares, the impact of the transportation sector on air pollution and climate change, and other similar policies.

Review Of The Transportation Bill

The Transportation Committee has been reviewing the Agency of Transportation’s $883 million proposed 2026 fiscal year budget (the T-Bill), with a focus on identifying opportunities to increase the funding to local municipalities in the form of town highway bridges, structures, and Class 2 roadways (which currently are showing a funding decrease in the Governor’s proposed budget). The T-Bill also currently shows a decrease in paving, interstate bridges, and public-transit funding.

Agency Of Transportation Revenue 

Revenues to the Agency of Transportation have been decreasing each year due in part to declining gas-tax revenue as the public adopts more electric (TVs), plug-in hybrid (PEVs), and more efficient vehicles. Projections show the state will be short $30 million in 2027 and $45 million in 2028 due to declining federal matching dollars. Additionally,  transpiration fund  currently is obligated to send roughly 72 million to other state funds, including education.

An additional fee on EVs and PEVs has been added to registration fees in the short-term, and a Mileage-Based User Fee is under consideration as a more permanent solution. Other potential revenue sources are being discussed, including a home-delivery fee on packages charged to retailers.

These are the challenges facing the Transportation Committee and the legislature this year.

Useful Resources For The Public

The Agency of Transportation website provides information for the public on road conditions, scheduled paving projects, construction, plow locations, etc. at: https://vtrans.vermont.gov/contact-us