Transportation bill approved by Finance

(April 7, 2006) The Finance Committee this week approved a major proposal that would significantly improve Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure. HB-5715 would implement the strategy and specific transportation proposals recommended by the state’s Transportation Strategy Board (TSB), including bonding for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line and the New Britain busway.  

The $5 billion, 10-year transportation plan encompasses road improvements, expansion of mass transit, new rail lines, greater use of state ports and many other upgrades. Funding for the plan would come from bonding, several phased increases to the state’s petroleum gross receipts tax and matching federal dollars.

CBIA supports raising new funds, primarily from activities associated with the use of transportation assets and systems, and encourages an aggressive exploration of new funding options now available through the passage of the federal transportation funding bill.

Connecticut needs to go beyond last year’s $1.3 billion transportation plan and make significant additional commitments to improving our infrastructure. Tax dollars need to be levied fairly, used effectively, administered efficiently, and protected from being appropriated for other uses.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Eric brown at 860-244-1900 or browne@cbia.com.