WVTK Local & State News October 7, 2014

Vermont is on track to be the latest state to ban hunting with aerial drones. Although hunting with drones isn't a serious problem in Vermont or anywhere else yet, some worry that the new technology might be coming soon. Hunters say they want to nip the potential for drone hunting in the bud, calling it unsporting and contrary to the principles of fair chase.

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a Presidential Permit for a 330-mile electric transmission line to carry lower-cost Canadian hydroelectric power to New York City. The 1,000-megawatt Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line has been in development since 2008. The line will run under the length of Lake Champlain, through parts of the Hudson, Harlem and East rivers and beneath railroad rights of way from Quebec to Queens. Construction is expected to take about four years.

Administration Secretary Jeb Spaulding says Vermont state revenues were ahead of projections in September. In data released yesterday, Spaulding says the General Fund revenues were 1.17 percent ahead of projections. For the fiscal year to date, the General Fund has taken in just over $327 million, below projections by 1.16 percent. The Transportation Fund came in 3.7 percent ahead of the goal. The year to date income is just ahead of its target. The Education Fund also came in about 2 percent ahead of its target.

Teachers in South Burlington are hitting the picket line, demanding new contracts. The most recent contract expired at the end of the school year and they are the only union in the county without a contract. The sticking points are pay and health benefits. Several years ago, South Burlington teachers came within two days from a planned strike before a contract was signed.

Addison County did pretty good in a recent survey on safety in Vermont. The Movoto Real Estate Blog conducted a safety survey for individuals and families looking for a safe place to live. Bristol topped the list as the safest place to live in Vermont. Middlebury came in 4th place. Brandon came in 9th place.