Agreement would create Connecticut transportation jobs
Posted on June 30, 2015
A huge historic agreement and investment will lead to many Connecticut transportation jobs.
The budget agreement reached with the House and Senate last night will fund the historic transportation agenda put forth by Governor Malloy earlier this year.
This agreement will lead to the largest investment in transportation in Connecticut history.
This budget, which responsibly keeps growth under 4%, will allow Connecticut to take important steps to transform our transportation system to grow jobs, boost the economy, and improve quality of life. The budget agreement includes billions for transportation over the next decade, by taking a half a cent off the sales tax – which will remain flat at 6.35% – and dedicating it to modernizing our rail, rebuilding our roads, and transforming the way we travel. This funding will mean that transportation will be fully funded for nearly a decade, allowing the state to plan and design projects in Governor Malloy’s long-term vision, as well as funding to complete many of them.
Currently, the Connecticut economy unnecessarily loses billions of dollars per year in lost productivity because of its inability to properly plan for and invest in upgrades to infrastructure. With this agreement, Connecticut will spend $613 million for highways, $281 million for bridges, $101 million for bicycle and pedestrian trails, and $43 million – or a 25% expansion – of bus service. The budget also includes funding for 161 new positions at the Connecticut Department of Transportation to help execute the ramp-up.
“Governor Malloy’s transportation plan will modernize Connecticut, attract new residents and a new workforce, and ensure our companies can compete in a global marketplace. It is key to building and sustaining a thriving economy,” said Lt. Governor Wyman. “I commend the Governor, legislative leadership, and the General Assembly for prioritizing transportation investment and positioning Connecticut for a strong future.”
“The transportation plan is closely connected to our commitment to job creation and economic development,” Senate President Martin M. Looney said. “It is essential that we find a reliable revenue stream to fund this initiative over a period of years.”
