(11/12/04) As the Chair of the House Transportation Committee and a legislator for 10 years, much of what I do evolves around transportation system planning and management. Vermont will spend roughly $359 million this year (combination of state and federal monies) on its infrastructure which includes roads, bridges, rail, bike paths, and other improvements. As a legislator, I am charged with the review of project scope and goals. With 5 major projects under construction and about $2 billion in the planning stage, Vermont’s transportation system is very large, growing, and in need of maintenance like any system. In my view, this system must be efficient, well managed, and be cost smart. Projects need to be tied to community growth and economic development. One particular project, the Circumferential Highway, is a model for transportation project planning and system management. This is an economic development investment for thousands of Vermonters. This is a planned project that plays a key role in the future growth and healthy development of the Northwest region of Vermont.

If you drive in Williston, Essex, Essex Junction, and Colchester, you will know that a bypass highway like the Circ is sorely needed. Broad evidence from the congested travel corridors and deficient intersections in the region prove that the construction of additional segments of the Circumferential Highway is critical. Let’s look at what the Circ will bring in terms of improvements:

The Circ will relieve congestion: The Circ will bring much needed relief from traffic congestion caused by the thousands of vehicles that travel local roads. The highway will benefit other communities in the region by improving access and traffic flow.

The Circ will improve safety and air quality: By removing thru-traffic from local roads, the Circ will create a safer route for commuters. It will allow clients of local businesses to enter and exit driveways safely. Local roads will be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. With fewer cars idling in traffic, there will be less air pollution.

The Circ will promote village centers: The village and town centers in Colchester, Essex Town, Essex Junction and Williston will be enhanced because there will be fewer vehicles on local roads. Preservation of Vermont’s villages is important to both our quality of life and our economy. These municipalities desire to maintain the characteristics of a Vermont community by encouraging a road network within their downtowns that is designed for local traffic and slower speeds thus making their streets attractive to pedestrians.

The Circ will manage commuter and commercial traffic: The Circ will help move commuter traffic and commercial vehicles directly to businesses in the region. The highway also will provide the infrastructure needed for existing companies to prosper and for potential future economic growth.

The Circ will provide benefits beyond the region: The Circ is more than a Chittenden County issue. Many people from surrounding counties travel to the Burlington area every day for employment and other purposes. Chittenden County, with nearly 25% of the state’s population, accounts for over 31% of the jobs in the state and 37% of the state’s wages. Chittenden County also produces about one-third of Vermont’s State tax revenues. To keep Chittenden County functioning as the "economic engine" of Vermont, the Circ needs to be built.

The Circ will promote smart growth: Town planning has been based upon completion of the Circ. The Circ will direct traffic away from neighborhoods and to planned growth centers. With traffic diverted, there will be less development pressure on existing roads.

The Circ will enhance the region’s transportation system: The Circ is part of an integrated transportation system that includes new construction, improved public transportation and maintaining existing roads and bridges. A public transportation system cannot by itself solve the region’s transportation needs. An integrated system that includes the Circ and other modes of transportation is necessary to address the needs of this region.

The Circ will link to public transit: Public transportation will be enhanced with the Circ since there will be less congestion, and bus commuting time will be reduced. In addition, there will be opportunities for park-and-ride lots in conjunction with the Circ.

The Circ will create conservation land: Land preservation has been part of the planning for the Circ. Over 224 acres have been acquired by the state. In addition, the towns have set aside land for preservation, including 3,447 acres of open land since 1988 (the year in which the highway obtained an Act 250 permit) for a grand total of 13,917 acres or 20 percent of the four communities’ land base which will remain undeveloped.

Now who supports this project? The answer is astounding! The Circumferential Highway is supported by the Governor, the Vermont House and Senate. It is a local, regional and state priority supported by the inclusion of this project in the comprehensive town plans of Essex, Essex Junction, Colchester and Williston. The Chittenden County Regional Plan adopted by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission recommends it as does the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) adopted by the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization; and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

For all these reasons, I am a supporter of this vital transportation project and will continue a proactive role to ensure that all of the pieces of an integrated transportation network are in place to enable commuters, freight, goods and services to be moved efficiently. The Circumferential Highway is a central component of that network and will be beneficial for Northwestern Vermont as well as the entire State.

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Thank you for your calls and notes. I can be reached at 658-3975 (home) or via e-mail.

Frank Mazur
Chair of the House Transportation Committee
South Burlington