House Republican Press Release

April 26, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Scribner Votes for Transportation Package

Measure Passes House of Representatives; Heads to Senate

HARTFORD- The state House of Representatives today passed a landmark 10-year, $2.3 billion transportation package, which was agreed upon by Governor M. Jodi Rell and legislative Democrats.  The bill provides for a massive overhaul and improvement of Connecticut’s highways and mass transit in all corners of the state.  It also manages to do this without instituting tolls or increasing taxes.  Representative David Scribner (R-Brookfield), who serves as Ranking Member of the legislature’s Transportation Committee, applauded the passage of the measure he has been working to see to fruition.

“This is a critical and comprehensive transportation package that will provide necessary infrastructure improvements to Connecticut’s roads, highways and commuter rails,” said Representative Scribner.  “Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure has been inadequate for far too long, and we are finally beginning to make inroads here.  I am very pleased with the Governor’s continued commitment to improving the state of transportation, and was pleased to work with her, the Transportation Committee chairs, and the legislative leadership to make this happen.”

Items scheduled for immediate implementation in the bill are environmental planning for expansion on I-95 from Branford to the Rhode Island border, a preliminary design for widening I-84 between Danbury and Waterbury, as well as planning for improvements to Routes 2 and 2A, the expansion of Route 9, and upgrading of the Pequot Bridge.

The bill also implements a New Britain – Hartford bus way, restoration of commuter service between New haven and Springfield, MA, rail car renovation for use on Shore Line East, and the New Haven-Springfield Line, as well as parking and stations for those lines.

Approximately $1 billion of the cost for the project will be bonded, while the remainder of the cost will be paid for by the federal government and gross receipts tax on petroleum products.  The gross receipts tax will not be increased.

The bill now heads to the Senate for action there.