Vermont's priorities fared well Sunday, during a rare weekend session, as Congress gave final approval to a package of six annual appropriations bills. The budget package will fund much of the federal government through the remainder of the fiscal year. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured more than $25 million for Vermont projects that will create jobs, prevent crime, and continue efforts to improve the condition of Lake Champlain.
Vermont priorities in the package by include:
Lake Champlain Protection -- $6,500,000 through the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission for habitat and water quality improvements.
Economic Development Projects -- $974,000 for the Burlington International Airport taxiway improvements; $1,500,000 for the Burlington Technology Center’s aviation program; $500,000 for Advanced Computing and Complex Systems at the University of Vermont; $584,000 for Deerfield Valley Transit Association for buses and facilities; $250,000 for the Small Business Development Center to provide technical assistance to high-tech businesses; $300,000 for the Lyndon State College Center for Rural Students; $1,461,000 for Marble Valley Regional Transit to purchase new buses and expand service; $974,000 to renovate and reconstruct the Rutland Center Street Marketplace; $438,300 for pedestrian improvements in Thetford Village; $700,000 for the Vermont State Colleges to equip nursing programs; $2,000,000 for the Vermont Healthcare and Information Technology Education Center (HITEC) for workforce training; $750,000 for Vermont Technical College to complete a green jobs workforce development initiative; $750,000 for a medical simulation lab and program at Fletcher Allen Health Care; $3,896,000 for projects to enhance affordable housing and economic development in conjunction with Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
Vermont Crime Prevention Programs -- $500,000 for Champlain College’s Center for Digital Investigation; $750,000 for a juvenile justice program in St. Albans; $500,000 for Mobius, Inc. to expand and strengthen mentoring programs; $500,000 for Prevent Child Abuse to expand the SAFE-T program; $200,000 for Return House’s transitional living program; $1,000,000 for the Vermont Drug Task Force to combat drug activity; $1,000,000 for the Vermont Judiciary to implement a case management and electronic filing system.
“Vermont once again does well in this budget bill," Leahy said in a statement. "Matching Vermont's priorities to the need to create jobs to help us emerge strong after this recession must continue to be our focus. From expanding workforce development and higher education initiatives, to reducing crime and improving the water quality of the lake, these projects will improve job growth in Vermont.”
The bill now goes to the president, who is expected to sign it early this week.
In addition to these projects, Leahy worked with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.) to secure an additional $12 million for Vermont projects in the legislation which will be highlighted in later joint announcements.
Source: WASHINGTON (MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2009) –
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