Connecticut panel OKs $1.1B in funding for transportation projects

Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut State Bond Commission last week approved more than $1.1 billion in state funding that will be used for widespread improvements to the state's transportation system.

Lamont chairs the State Bond Commission and determines which projects get placed on its agenda for approval. In a press release, the governor said he prioritized transportation projects to leverage all federal matching dollars available through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

"This funding will help bring upgrades to a wide variety of improvements across our transportation network, including roads, bridges and public transit," said Lamont. "Notably, it will support our ongoing goal of putting the infrastructure in place that will help reduce travel times between New Haven and New York."

The funding includes more than $660 million for public transportation. Among those projects approved for funding are:
• the Northeast Corridor match program: $398 million for 13 projects aimed at upgrading outdated passenger-rail infrastructure and improving transit efficiency, speed and capacity. This allocation will provide a match for up to $2.1 billion in matching federal funding;
• New Haven Union Station improvements: $15 million for the design of three projects, including a new multimodal hub, parking structure and rental car facility in the West Lot; transit-oriented development (TOD) in the existing east lot; and the realignment of Union Avenue near Union Station to enhance traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety; and
• Stamford Transportation Center parking garage demolition: $9 million for the demolition of the 1985 parking garage at what is the busiest rail station in the state. Demolition of the old garage will allow the state to proceed with solicitation of TOD projects adjacent to the station.