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Circumventing Sprawl in Burlington, Vermont

Case Updates:

May 1, 2004

Breaking News: Judge Halts Bush Attempt to “Streamline” Vermont Highway Construction

On May 10, a federal judge in Vermont issued a major setback to one of four highway projects the Bush administration had attempted to expedite by executive order. In the decision, Judge Sessions ruled that the Bush highway administration and state transportation department had failed to honestly account for the project’s environmental damage as required by law. The Court rejected the Bush administration’s attempt to use an outdated 1986 environmental impact statement and failed to take into consideration the current reality and viable alternatives. The ruling raises serious questions about the Bush administration’s judgment in trying to steamroll a project with outdated intelligence. Last summer the Sierra Club and other groups filed suit to stop the 16 mile freeway around the city of Burlington because it would devastate the local environment without improving traffic congestion. The irony is that a proper environmental review and corresponding public process could have prevented unnecessary delays and saved taxpayers money.

Read more about the poorly planned project in May 12th RAW: Living on a Prayer, the Sierra Club’s sprawl report, learn about the environmental review process, or read more details in the local news.

October 1, 2003

Burlington, Vermont has been identified as one of the most desirable cities in the United States. Situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington provides vistas of the Adirondacks and is minutes from hiking, climbing, and camping in the gentle Green Mountains. However, sprawl is threatening this idyllic area, and the Federal Highway Administration has approved a 16 mile four-lane freeway around the city. Sierra Club’s lawyers are hitting the streets to stop this poorly planned highway and bring smart growth alternatives to the area.

Details and Documents: