By Guy Page
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has submitted a plan to cut $7.5 million from its current year budget in response to a shortfall in the state’s Transportation Fund. Lawmakers will hear public comment on the proposal next week.
State revenue to the Agency of Transportation is largely derived from transportation-related taxes and fees. Transportation fund receipts are down overall, with the largest deficits in diesel fuel sales tax and motor vehicle purchase and use taxes and fees. Gasoline sales are not below target.
The VTrans rescission plan would cut:
$2 million by delaying the Springfield garage project
$2.25 million in management position savings, beyond vacancy savings already projected in FY ‘26 budget.
$575,000 in equipment purchasing and servicing at the Central Garage
$500,000 by delaying the Rutland platform project
$421,000 in a technology automation project
$415,000 in reduction to tree cutting
See graphic for these and other proposed cuts.
At its July meeting, the Emergency Board adopted a revised revenue forecast for FY2026 that came in $7.5 million below the estimates used to build the transportation budget passed earlier this year. Under state law, VTrans is required to submit a plan to realign appropriations with the lower revenue projection.
Two opportunities for public comment have been scheduled:
- Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 3 to 5 PM at the Joint Transportation Oversight Committee meeting in Room 10 of the State House, with public testimony expected to begin at 4:20 PM.
- Thursday, Sept. 18, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Joint Fiscal Committee meeting in Room 11, with public testimony expected to begin at 10:45 AM.
Members of the public may testify in person or via Zoom. Those interested should contact legislative staffer Sorsha Anderson at sorsha.anderson@vtleg.gov.
The full rescission plan is available on the Legislative Joint Fiscal Office website.