WVTK Local & State News September 14, 2011 (Afternoon Update)

Officials say it could cost between $300 and $500-million to repair all the roads, brides, and culverts damaged by Tropical Storm Irene. And that doesn’t include municipal road. Administration Secretary Jeb Spaulding says Vermont taxpayers won't be on the hook for all of it. Federal reimbursement will be available for some, but the percentage isn't known yet.

Police in Addison say a man was caught driving more than twice the speed limit on his motorcycle. Cops say Samuel Trudo was going 133 miles an hour on Route 22A yesterday afternoon. Police caught up with him 2 towns north just over the Panton / Vergennes town line. Trudo faces excessive speed charges and will be in court next month.

Rutland no longer holds the record for New England's largest blood drive. The honor now belongs to Manchester, New Hampshire. Yesterday, the city collected 1,957 pints of blood, breaking Rutland's record of 1,400 pints. The one-day blood drive also set a new national record.

Today is the 3rd and final day of a trial in which the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's owners are suing to block the state from closing the plant. Entergy Corp. says Vermont is trying to close the state's only reactor over concerns about nuclear safety even though the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted an extension to its operating license. Vermont officials say they have other reasons for closing the plant. No immediate ruling is expected.

Governor Peter Shumlin announced the 5 people he has selected to lead the state toward a more unified health care system as members of the newly created Green Mountain Care Board. The panel, which begins work on October 1, will focus first on changing the payment system for medical care as part of a strategy to control costs.

More than two weeks after Tropical Storm Irene flooded area, the Red Cross has closed the last of its shelters. Officials say arrangements for longer term housing have been made for those still needing a place to stay. The Red Cross says lots of people stayed at the 13 shelters set up around the state after the storm struck on August 28.

If you’re going to be in and around Essex Junction this afternoon and evening, Vermont State Police are warning you to be prepared for delays. The Phish Benefit for Flood Recovery concert is tonight at 7 at the Champlain Valley Fair Grounds. Police will have an increased presence to help with the flow of traffic.