Hans Huessy, on behalf of VAST, successfully negotiated the suspension of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail’s Act 250 permit.  In 2009, the Trail was determined to be subject to Act 250 jurisdiction and, as a result, VAST applied for and obtained a permit.  The permit hampered the development of the Trail and increased the cost of completing the Trail.  In addition, the permit required an amendment any time a change was made along the Trail’s 95 mile length.  Hans filed a petition with the Surface Transportation Board alleging Act 250 was pre-empted by certain federal statutes.  Rather than litigate that claim, the parties entered into a settlement.  Under the settlement, certain conditions from the permit will be incorporated into an existing lease with the State and the balance of the permit is suspended.  This means VAST can develop the Trail in the sequence that makes most sense, minor changes to the Trail will not require permit amendments, the balance of the Trail work will not be the subject of Act 250 review, and most importantly, the Trail will be completed sooner than planned.  VAST settlement final press release