Major federal funding for nine local Vermont projects, including one to revitalize an agricultural center in southern Vermont, came one step closer to final approval this week.

The historic Quechee Gorge Bridge on Route 4 — Vermont’s main east-west corridor — is ready for some important upgrades to improve its safety and sustainability. On Friday, U.S. Rep. Peter Welch arrived in Quechee to announce a $7.6 million federal allocation to speed up the project.

The legislation now goes up for another vote in the House, where Democrats hope for swift approval so the package can quickly advance to President Joe Biden for his signature. Enhanced federal unemployment benefits are set to expire March 14.