Vermont City Buys Insurance Amid F-35 Debate

Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, has purchased an insurance policy for protection against potential lawsuits in connection with its airport.

While exploring the legal possibility of banning F-35 fighter jets from the Burlington International Airport, city attorney Eileen Blackwood discovered Burlington wasn’t insured against lawsuits stemming from airport-related issues.

That city changed that on Oct. 11 when it purchased a policy that insures the city for up to $5 million in the event of a lawsuit.

The Air Force says Burlington is its preferred location to base up to 24 of the F-35s to replace aging F-16s. Opponents claim the planes would be too noisy and cause other problems.

Vermont Public Radio says with the insurance policy in place, Burlington’s city council can now discuss and vote on resolutions related to the F-35.