Studies and Reports Database

This report has been prepared to support the Environmental Assessment and Schematic Engineering Phase of the Burlington – Essex Rail Project for CCMPO and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans). The Burlington Rail Tunnel is located at milepost 1.15 on the Winooski branch of the New England Central Railroad (NECR) line and is an integral component of the rail line. The objectives of this phase of engineering are to: 1. Perform a visual assessment and evaluate structural integrity. 2. Review the applicable codes and regulations to determine the areas where the tunnel is considered to be substandard to support passenger rail service. 3. Identify the level of remediation required. 4. Develop alternatives to address the structural condition of the tunnel. 5. Prepare estimates of probable construction cost of alternatives.

Resource Systems Group was asked to explore the impact on traffic during the PM peak hour of converting the cross-section of South Winooski Avenue between Main Street and Pearl Street from 4 lanes to 3 lanes. This conversion would result in 1 northbound lane, 1 southbound lane, and a shared center two-way left-tum lane (TWLTL).

Planning study to develop alternatives for securing safe and efficient ground access for the Burlington International Airport (BIA) from key points within the region and to recommend a prefered alternative for establishing such access for the forseeable future.

Technical Assistance study intending to address crashes at or near the intersection of East Road and Depot Road in Colchester, Vermont

This handout summarizes guidelines and identifies sources of more information and examples for undertaking eight sets of activities that affirmatively further fair housing.

Fair housing laws are intended to prevent discrimination in how housing is sold, rented, appraised, financed, and advertised. These laws protect everyone. They protect people of all races and religions, people with disabilities, the elderly, and families with children. These laws also protect all homeowners and residents from being victimized by destructive practices such as steering potential residents to only certain communities, neighborhoods, or developments. Fair housing laws mainly regulate the actions of property owners, landlords, lenders, realtors, and appraisers. However, municipalities also must comply. Municipal responsibilities are derived from a complex and changing body of law. This paper is intended to brief municipal officials with only the basics of these responsibilities.

The objective of this project was to translate the recommendations of the Chittenden County ITS Strategic Deployment Plan into specific projects that can be incorporated into the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The study findings culminate with a deployment plan and schedule illustrating the recommended implementation timeline over the next 10+ years.

This white paper is intended to provide decision makers with an understanding of (1) The impacts of stormwater on the quality of Chittenden County’s surface waters and (2) The features of stormwater management policies and regulations. This brief paper is not intended to furnish the final word on these subjects. Rather, it presents a foundation of basic information in order to foster reflection and further discussion.

Chittenden County is experiencing a housing crisis. This crisis results from the failure of the supply of housing to keep pace with demand, resulting in a current shortage of almost 2,000 units. The gap between the supply and demand for housing translates into rapidly increasing housing costs, which impose special hardships on the poor, people with disabilities, the elderly, and others.

The ultimate purpose of these guidelines is to promote the use of transit in Chittenden County. By promoting transit oriented development, it is hoped that there will be greater opportunities for the voluntary use of transit.