Connecticut approves $1.1 billion in transportation bond funding

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut has approved more than $1.1 billion in state bond funding for transportation projects, Gov. Ned Lamont has announced.

Funds will help meet matching requirements for federal money available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which could help the state land more than $2.5 billion in federal funding.

“The $1.1 billion in state bond funding we are releasing today positions our state to create the transportation network of the future, which will connect people to jobs, employment, and all our state has to offer,” Lamont said in a press release. “This funding will help bring upgrades to a wide variety of improvements across our transportation network, including roads, bridges, and public transit. Notably, it will support our ongoing goal of putting the infrastructure in place that will help reduce travel times between New Haven and New York. By leveraging all federal dollars available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can bring significant improvements to our state’s transportation system while lessening the burden on Connecticut taxpayers.”

Specific funding for rail projects includes $398.1 million for 13 projects to upgrade infrastructure on the Northeast Corridor, which will provide a match for up to $2.1 billion in federal funds and $15 million for three projects to upgrade New Haven Union Station. Another $9 million is earmarked for demolition of a parking garage at the Stamford Transportation Center, Connecticut’s busiest rail station. That demolition will make room for transit-oriented development adjacent to the station.

State Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucallito said the funds mean “Connecticut residents will see a substantial increase in projects that will improve transportation access, grow the economy, increase safety and reliability, and improve quality of life. This funding is setting the stage for the next 10 years of needed projects that will transform our infrastructure with improved roads and bridges and a robust multimodal transportation network that is accessible to everyone.”