Markley, Betts to DOT: What Are We Waiting For?

Fast track worthy transportation projects, construction workers need jobs

Hartford, CT – Senator Joe Markley (R-Southington) and Representative Whit Betts (R-Bristol) wrote to State Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker this week urging him to fast track shovel ready projects in the name of transportation safety and jobs.

“We heard loud and clear from those in the construction trades they need work now.  Let’s fast track the road and bridge repair projects your department has approved so these folks can get to work,” said Sen. Markley. “What are we waiting for?”

On Friday April 26 the State Bond Commission will vote on a $50 Million Fix it First bridge program.

“We applaud the administration on identifying these bridges for repair.  However, we are aware that DOT has a laundry list of urgent projects that still need to be funded,” said Rep. Betts.

The two legislators are poised to offer amendments that would transfer as much as approximately $240 million in transportation dollars from the New Britain to Hartford Busway to priority transportation projects, like crumbling roads and bridges in Greenwich (Lockwood Ave. over I-95), Glastonbury/Wethersfield (Putnam Bridge) and Old Lyme (Flat Rock Rd. over I-95)

• Approximately $120 million FHWA (federal highway account flexible funds)
• Approximately $120 million State bonding

“Why waste money on a bus to nowhere when we can do the responsible thing and put these very talented folks to work on legitimate transportation projects now?” said Sen. Markley. 

According to former DOT Commissioner Joe Marie, there are an estimated $3 billion in unfunded road and bridge repairs that need to be completed in our state. “There is nothing more paramount that the safety of our transportation infrastructure. Let’s keep funding these necessary road and bridge repairs and stop wasting taxpayer dollars,” added Rep. Betts.