Mainly formal and through DOT leadership. The heads of the various divisions of VTrans testify before the House and Senate Transportation Committees at the beginning of each session to provide an overview of agency activities and to discuss its annual multi-year transportation program, which includes a recommended budget and describes project priorities. In February, VTrans counsel typically transmits to legislative counsel other proposed legislation; agency officials with relevant expertise then testify before the transportation committees about each proposal. Legislative committees frequently solicit testimony from VTrans officials on transportation-related bills and other specific issues that may arise. VTrans also communicates through required written reports. The responsibilities of the director of the Policy, Planning and Intermodal Development Division include state and federal legislative relations.