WVTK Local & State News April 23, 2014

A bill signed by Governor Peter Shumlin will protect primarily older Vermonters from predatory lenders. The new legislation prevents companies from offering cash advances in exchange for all or part of a customer's pension. The new law is the first of its kind in the nation to be passed by a state legislature. Governor Shumlin says this is a growing problem not only in Vermont, but across the country.

There is a bridge replacement project underway on Route 125. Route 125 is closed at North Branch Road on the west side of the bridge to Upper Plains Road on the east side of the bridge. Also, the portion of the Middlebury River through the project area will be closed for swimming, boating and other recreational purposes for the duration of the project. The project is expected to be completed by June 2.

Police in Rutland are looking for the individuals responsible for damaging a number of parking meters downtown. According to reports, 11 meter locks and 12 meter cans filled with change were damaged along Merchants Row, Center Street, Court Street, Cottage Street and Justice Square parking lot. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rutland City Police Department.

Vermont officials are asking FEMA to conduct a damage assessment in areas affected by flooding from April 15-18. A press release says the assessment will determine if counties in the state qualify for federal public assistance disaster funds. The funds would help repair damaged public infrastructure damaged in the floods. Vermont is estimating total damages from the flooding to be more than $1 million. The minimum for federal assistance is $1 million.

According to the New York Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), there will be rolling road blocks on I-87 near exit 42 tomorrow. A press release says the rolling road blocks are for utility line relocations that are part of the U.S. Route 11 bridge replacement project. The rolling road block will begin at approximately 9 AM and should be completed by 2 PM/. Motorists should expect delays during the rolling road blocks.