WVTK Local & State News September 21, 2011

Governor Peter Shumlin told a gathering of government and private partners yesterday that damage from Tropical Storm Irene could top one-billion dollars. During the storm, nearly 2-thousand roads were damaged; 184 are still closed. Out of the 268 damaged bridges, 94 still remain closed. And now, town officials are trying to figure out how to pay for all the work.

There is some good news about the damaged roads in our area ... the bridge on Route 7 in Clarendon is once again open to traffic along with a portion of Route 100 between Warren and Rochester.

Hannaford Officials are hoping to build a new store in Hinesburg soon. 6 months ago they release a proposal to the town that didn’t sit well with residents. At last night’s meeting they released a new site plan for the 36,000 square foot store to be located in Hinesburg's Commerce Park. The new plan adds more landscaping and eliminates the drive thru pharmacy.

About 100 unemployed Vermonters will be getting temporary jobs to help the state clean up and recover from flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene. The U.S. Department of Labor grant will fund temporary jobs assisting with clean-up, demolition, repair, renovation, and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities, and lands throughout the state. The funds will also be used to perform work on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals, with priority given to services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Police across Vermont are cracking down on scrap metal thieves. This week troopers are canvassing scrap metal yards to remind owners and managers about the law governing scrap metal. If you're looking to sell your scrap metal, like a catalytic converter from an old car, buyers will need a picture ID, license plate number, a description of the property, and proof that you actual own it. Businesses caught taking in metal without the proper paperwork can get a rather hefty fine.

State Representative Margaret Cheney is drafting legislation that would increase the state gas tax to help towns pay for repairing roads damaged by Tropical Storm Irene. Cheney says towns hit hard by flooding face local property tax increases to fund repairs not covered by the state and federal government. Cheney adds a 1-cent gas tax increase would raise $3.3 million.

Police say a fire at Vermont Yankee's office building in Brattleboro was intentionally set. The arson fire comes at a time when the company is in a bitter legal battle with the state. The court fight has sparked protests. Now there is no evidence connecting opponents to the fire, but the 20 people who work at the offices fear that may be the case.