Bridge to the Future: Vermont Scores $22.7M Grant in Bipartisan Push

Vermont Governor Phil Scott is applauding a major bipartisan effort that has delivered $22.7 million in federal funding to replace the deteriorating Winooski River Bridge in Chittenden County. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the BUILD Grant Program and made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marks a significant step forward in strengthening the state’s transportation network.

“Maintaining safe and reliable public transportation infrastructure is one of the most important responsibilities of any government,” Governor Scott said. “I’m appreciative to our congressional delegation for bringing this much needed funding back home to Vermont.”

The announcement underscores the kind of bipartisan cooperation that Scott and others have long championed. The project was supported by Vermont’s full Congressional Delegation—Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), and Representative Becca Balint (D-VT)—who worked together across party lines to secure the funding and also nominated the project for $8 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Fiscal Year 2026.

“Bolstering Vermont’s infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the safety, security, and success of families, workers, and everyone traveling through the Green Mountain State,” the delegation said in a joint statement.

The Winooski River Bridge, built in 1928, is in poor condition. The federal grant will support a full replacement using durable materials, widened sidewalks, and modern drainage systems. The new design aims to serve not only drivers, but also pedestrians and cyclists, while enhancing resilience against extreme weather—particularly the flooding that has increasingly affected the region.

Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn called the announcement “crucial” for the successful completion of the complex project and noted the delegation’s support as a key component in securing the funding.

“This project is proof that when leaders put people over politics, progress happens,” said Scott. “It’s about more than just fixing a bridge—it’s about making Vermont safer, more connected, and better prepared for the future.”