Gov. Shumlin Signs $173 Million 2014-2015 Vermont Capital Budget

Press Release

Gov. Peter Shumlin today signed the state's 2014-15 Capital Budget into law, approving more than $173 million for projects that include the Vermont State Hospital replacement facility in Berlin, the Waterbury State Office complex reconstruction, start on a new Lamoille County Court House, a new State Police barrack in Westminster, mold remediation work at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, and more.

"Not only is this the largest Capital Bill appropriation in the history of the state, but these projects will create jobs for Vermonters in the coming years," said the Governor, who was joined by Buildings and General Services Commissioner Michael Obuchowski for the signing. The Governor also thanked the chairs of the House and Senate Institutions Committees -- Rep. Alice Emmons and Sen. Peg Flory -- for their leadership in crafting the capital budget.

On the list of approved projects:

-$69 million for reconstruction, renovations and replacement of state property due to Tropical Storm Irene, including projects in Berlin, Waterbury and Montpelier;

-$11 million to complete the construction of the Department of Health Laboratory in Colchester;

-$3.5 million for phase one of the new Lamoille County Court House;

-$17.4 million for projects through the Agency of Education;

$6.2 million for construction of the new Westminster police barrack, which consolidates the Brattleboro and Rockingham barracks;

-Authority to Buildings and General Services to address mold remediation at the Vermont Veterans Home and development a comprehensive plan to prevent future issues;

-Authority to BGS to work with the City of Newport to evaluate the opportunities to sell the boardwalk after repair; and

-Funds for enhanced 911 planning and implementation in Vermont public schools.

"These are projects that support local communities, provide jobs for Vermonters, and ensure we not only solve and prevent problems, but move our projects into the future and make our state a better place to live, work and play," Gov. Shumlin said.

The Governor signed the bill at the State Complex in Waterbury, which was severely damaged by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011.

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