Richard Tetreault is the Director of Program Development at VTrans. He explained that when appropriate, VTrans aims to rehabilitate or restore covered bridges instead of replacing them with a metal structure. He noted that there is a historic preservation officer at the agency and he pointed out examples of covered bridges that have been rehabilitated by VTrans. Rich explained that there is a landscape architect on staff to deal with the issues of replanting trees/vegetation after a bridge or roadway project. VTrans has also developed alternative state design standards so the state has more flexibility to design projects so you do not have to default to the federal standards that may not be appropriate for the rural context. VTrans reached out to Oregon and New Hampshire DOTs to get their experience with Wild and Scenic process. VTrans reviewed the regulations and did not see anything of concern. He noted that there were “no show stoppers” for VTrans. Rich suggested the committee contact John Narowski from the Environmental Section of VTrans.
Mr. Tetreault sent the Study Committee an email following the meeting providing information about the status of the Longley Covered Bridge in Montgomery which was passed on to our email list. There was concern that the covered bridges would be replaced by steel. Richard could only think of one time that happened, that VTrans typically keeps or refurbishes covered bridges in VT. Jim Jeffords made covered bridges a priority. The CB8 bridge on River Road in Troy was constructed in kind. He notes, “The town drives the discussion for the look and feel, and often want it to look like the original.” The following is a paragraph also sent to us by Mr. Tetreault regarding Wild and Scenic Designation:
“It is good to see that the study group is exercising due diligence in evaluating the pros and cons of establishing a Wild & Scenic River designation along the Missisquoi & Trout Rivers. In regards to impacts a designation would have on the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation’s or affected municipalities’ ability to delivery federal aid transportation projects I do not see any areas of concern. Under the existing NEPA and ACT 250 permitting requirements we already involve numerous parties in our project development process and any added time and cost a Wild & Scenic designation could impose is likely to be minimal at most. Vermont has established a strong heritage of environmental stewardship and a designation would dovetail seamlessly with our state’s culture including that of the Agency of Transportation.”
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