Press Release

BURLINGTON, VT –July 6, 2026 – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) , U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) , and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-Vt.) today announced $19,719,310 in federal funding to complete the reconstruction of U.S. Route 7 from Pittsford to Brandon, Vermont. The funding for the Vermont Agency of Transportation was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program and made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) —better known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “We’re proud to announce more than $19 million in federal funds to support the State of Vermont’s work on the Ethan Allen Highway. This project will make one of the most traveled highways in our state safer and more reliable, from Pittsford to Brandon and beyond,” said Sanders, Welch, and Balint. “Investments like these are critical to maintaining our infrastructure for years to come,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I’m appreciative of the Agency of Transportation’s work as well as the congressional delegation for their work in bringing this funding back home to Vermont.” The project includes roadway reconstruction, widening, shoulder improvements, drainage and culvert replacement, bridge upgrades, safety enhancements, and wildlife crossing improvements. Senator Sanders is a senior member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which oversees this funding. ###