VT S0113

Agency of Transportation must submit comments and proposed conditions to FERC regarding relicensing of the Bellows Falls Hydroelectric Project (Project No. 1855-050)

Requested license conditions would require the dam owner/operator to develop a plan and contribute to costs for repairs, maintenance, and replacement of publicly owned bridges crossing the power canal

The power canal separates an island from the Village of Bellows Falls and Town of Rockingham, with bridges providing access to cultural sites (including Native American petroglyph and burial sites), rail/transit facilities, and planned mixed-use developments

Agency must provide supporting evidence that the canal serves no purpose other than hydroelectric operations and that bridges are critical for regular and emergency access to the island

Agency must provide copies of all FERC submissions to the House and Senate Committees on Transportation; act takes effect on passage