VT S0287

Creates the Interstate 22A Limited Access Highway Study Committee to examine constructing a new limited access highway connecting Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to Interstate 87, replacing Vermont Route 22A as the primary route.

Committee membership includes 14 members: the Secretary of Transportation, two House members, two Senate members, representatives from Burlington, South Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland, plus members from Chittenden, Addison, and Rutland Regional Planning Commissions.

Study scope includes current and projected Route 22A usage, potential route options, construction costs, funding mechanisms (including E-ZPass tolls and public-private partnerships), and economic impacts on Vermont communities.

Committee must hold its first meeting by September 1, 2026, and submit a written report with findings and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly by January 15, 2027.

Act takes effect July 1, 2026; committee ceases to exist February 15, 2027; members may receive per diem compensation for up to six meetings from Agency of Transportation funds.