House Republican Press Release

April 28, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. HARKINS: LEGISLATURE APPROVES MAJOR TRANSPORTATION UPGRADES

New Package Will Benefit Shoreline Commuters

HARTFORD—State Representative John Harkins, R-Stratford, today hailed a major transportation package approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 26. House Bill 5844, “An Act Concerning The Roadmap For Connecticut's Economic Future”, which Rep. Harkins co-sponsored, now moves to the State Senate for consideration.

HB 5844 would provide for improvements to highways and mass transit in all corners of the state, allocating $2.3 billion over a 10-year period. Projects that would be funded include $45 million for capitol improvements to branch rail lines and $60 million for new parking and rail stations on New Haven Line. It would also evaluate and plan completion of a link between port of New Haven and commuter rails and develop second rail passenger station between New Haven and Milford.

The plan implements significant portions of the recommendations from the state’s Transportation Strategy Board (TSB), which Rep. Harkins helped establish as former Ranking Member (House Republican Leader) of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee.

“I’m satisfied this bill funds key portions of the TSB plan,” said Rep. Harkins, who serves as an Assistant Minority Leader. “For years, we have been struggling with the challenge of transportation issues throughout the state. We have taken steps addressing these issues over the years and are finally moving forward with comprehensive transportation initiatives. The new parking garage at the Stratford railroad station further compliments this bold transportation initiative.”

Rep. Harkins added that the bill does not include previous proposals for increasing the state gasoline tax or bringing back highway tolls. The package will be funded through revenue bonds.

“Improvements to our infrastructure are imperative to ensure that residents have safe and functional highways and rail service,” added Rep. Harkins. “This is the beginning of a major transformation in our state on how to actively handle transportation in the 21st century.”