Northern stretch of I-91 in Vermont designated for slain Border Patrol agent David Maland

The road naming stems from a deadly traffic stop on Jan. 20, 2025, on Interstate 91 southbound near mile marker 168 in Coventry.

A state transportation panel has formally approved a memorial naming for a section of Interstate 91 in northern Vermont to honor David Maland, the U.S. Border Patrol agent killed during a traffic stop on that highway more than a year ago.

The Vermont Transportation Board issued its written order on Sept. 28, assigning the name David Chris Maland Memorial Highway to an approximately 11-mile segment running north and south between Exit 26 in Barton and Exit 28 in Derby. The designation covers mile marker 161.4 to mile marker 172.4.

Maland, 44, of Newport, was assigned to the Newport Border Patrol Station and had spent nine years with the Border Patrol, according to the order. It also notes that he had served in the U.S. Air Force and worked security at the Pentagon during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The board said Maland was active in the Newport area and planned to stay there permanently. It described him as someone who devoted himself to public service both professionally and in his personal life, including support for a church-run homeless shelter where he helped provide meals, clothing and other assistance.

The road naming stems from a deadly traffic stop on Jan. 20, 2025, on Interstate 91 southbound near mile marker 168 in Coventry. Federal authorities say Teresa Youngblut of Seattle, Washington, opened fire during the stop and killed Maland. Youngblut was also wounded in the exchange, later released from the hospital, and charged in federal court with offenses that could carry the death penalty. A passenger in her vehicle also died in the gunfire, according to court filings. The case is still pending in Vermont federal court.

The American Legion, Newport Post 21, initially asked in November 2025 for all of Interstate 91 in Orleans County to be named for Maland. That petition included 97 signatures from residents across the county. Support also came from Newport Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase, the Vermont Police Association and the United Federation of Police Officers.

After the request was narrowed to the stretch between exits 26 and 28, the Transportation Board moved forward following a public hearing and notices sent to communities along the route. The final miles of Interstate 91 in Vermont before Canada are already dedicated as the John F. Kennedy Memorial International Highway.

At the hearing, Newport American Legion Commander Jim Crowe said the group wanted to recognize Maland as a fellow veteran and preserve his memory through the highway dedication. He also said signs were planned for the entrance and exit points of the designated section, though no installation schedule was available Monday.