House Republican Press Release

April 29, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REPRESENTATIVE SCRIBNER: NEW DOT CHIEF A GOOD FIT FOR CONNECTICUT

HARTFORD- On Monday, April 28, State Representative David A. Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel) participated in a pubic hearing at the State Capitol complex on the nomination of Joseph Marie to lead the state Department of Transportation (DOT). Governor M. Jodi Rell recently nominated Marie to head the agency.

Rep. Scribner serves as Ranking Member (House Republican Leader) of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. DOT is headquartered in Newington and is responsible for the construction and maintenance of major Connecticut roads, highways and bridges, and the state’s public transit system. The 3,200-employee agency also oversees commuter and freight rail lines, shoreline ports and piers, ferries and Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks.

According to published reports, Marie currently serves as director of operations and maintenance for METRO, the regional public transit system for Phoenix, Az. The Massachusetts native has more than 20 years of transit industry experience. Should the Legislature approve his nomination, Marie would begin serving as DOT commissioner in June.

“I was impressed with Mr. Marie's level of experience and his grasp of the many transportation related issues that we face in Connecticut,” said Rep. Scribner. “He responded thoroughly and candidly to the many questions posed to him, including the potential restructuring of DOT proposed by Governor Rell.  I believe his broad background in mass transit will be of benefit to the state as we move forward with many initiatives to improve the train, bus, and air travel here."