REMARKS OF RICHARD PEMBROKE BEFORE THE
U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND
PUBLIC WORKS
AUGUST 20, 2002
Thank you, Senator Jeffords, for
this opportunity to testify before your committee. And thank you, Secretary
Jackson, for traveling to Vermont to hear about the challenges we face.
My name is Dick Pembroke and I am
the corporate founder of the Pembroke Landscaping Company in Bennington,
Vermont. For the past 16 years, I have also represented Bennington in the
Vermont Legislature, from a district that comprises a constituency of two
incorporated villages within the Town of Bennington who have the same
infrastructure needs. I have been a member of the House Transportation
Committee throughout that time, serving as chairman since 1993, and at the request
of leadership from both sides of the aisle.
The toughest part of my job as
chairman is distributing dollars among the many competing transportation needs
in Vermont. Looking back, I think that we have been able to do that in a fair
and productive way, and we have used the planning provisions of the Federal law
to get the job done. The direction of that law -- to emphasizing planning from
the bottom up -- was definitely the
right decision.
Of course, there was never enough
money. Recognizing this, we set out early in my tenure to eliminate low
priority projects. This was a painful process. Every project has a champion.
But we were able to make these choices by working through Vermont’s network of
regional planning commissions and advisory committees. They were the key then
and they continue to be central to our efforts today.
Even with this “pruning” of low
priority projects our needs’ still far exceed our available funding. As a
result of this success of the project manager system which we directed the
agency to institute, and taking advantage of the advanced construction
provisions of the Federal law, I leave my chairmanship with enough “shelf
projects” to consume a year’s worth of Vermont Federal appropriation. Each
year, we must decide on the allocation of transportation dollars - both Federal
and State - among the various modes. Between maintenance operations, system
preservation and expansion, I have used the agency’s long-range Transportation
Plan to guide this effort.
In my part of the State, the
Bennington area in Southwestern Vermont, we have nearly completed the first
phase of what will become the Bennington Bypass. Re-routing two national
highway system roads out of our City Center, improving traffic flow and
relieving unbearable congestion from the downtown.
After many years of planning and
design, we have also begun critical safety improvements on the main east-west
highway through Southern Vermont. This project will save lives and improve
commerce.
We have improved a key segment of
rail line, linking the area to the highly active rail corridor serving Albany,
New York and the nation’s rail network. We are now working with Amtrack and our
New York neighbors to secure service to the Bennington and Manchester area. Our
long-term goal is to improve both freight and passenger rail up and down the
west side of the State.
We have also used the generous
provisions of the Federal Highway bills to expand public transportation. In my
tenure we have established seamless interconnecting routes that go from the
Massachusetts Line in Pownal to Rutland and points north. Several other routes
statewide have been established or are about to be.
I would encourage you as you prepare
to put together the re-authorization bill that you garner every possible dollar
that is entitled to transportation in order that Vermont and its fellow States
have the opportunity to attempt to bring our infrastructure up to par. I do not
have to tell you that our interstate system as well as nationwide is 40-plus
years old and needs major attention. I ask you to refrain from ancillary
programs and concentrate on making it affordable and less restrictive as
possible. Our local communities are in the same predicament and look for State
help. More Federal authorization would accommodate our ability to offer them
assistance.
Ultimately, our goal in the
Legislature, and the agency’s goal, is to get things done for Vermont,
delivering projects that respect neighboring property owners, businesses, local
communities and the environment. This has been a challenge. We have had success
by bringing all of the players together and focusing on what’s good for
Vermont.
A few weeks ago, I announced my
intent to retire from the Vermont Legislature. I do so with a sense of
accomplishment and in the knowledge that many important transportation
improvements are under way. I thank you Senator Jeffords for those kind words
you entered into the Congressional Record on my behalf on my announcement.
New commuter air routes have been
established not only at the Burlington International, but Rutland as well, the
State’s second largest city, and major improvements in various other State
airports that contribute to much-needed economic development.
My work on transportation has been
among the most satisfying experiences I have ever had. Without the Federal
partnership, we could not have made the progress that I have described. As for
the future, we will need an increase in resources, from all sources, if we are
able to meet our responsibilities to the traveling public.
Senator Jeffords, you have been a
great friend of transportation in this State. I am very encouraged to have you
chairing the Environment and Public Works Committee for the reauthorization
process. I know that you will advance Vermont’s interests.
Mr. Secretary, I am glad that you
have been able to hear from Vermonters today about the challenges we face, and
I do not envy your challenge as you fight for scarce dollars.
In closing, I would emphasize that
if you feel I can be of assistance at any time as you seek the prize, please do
not hesitate to call. Paraphrasing General MacArthur’s comments, “Old soldiers
never die; they just fade away,” I do not intend to die and I surely am not
going to fade away.
Thank you for this opportunity to
testify.