Connecticut Delegation Applauds First Round of Highway Funding From Infrastructure Law
[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Jahana Hayes (CT-5), Joe Courtney (CT-2) and John B. Larson (CT-1) today applauded the announcement that Connecticut will be receiving over $665 million in total funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This is the first year of funding under a five-year federal investment resulting from the law.
“This first round of funding will significantly improve Connecticut’s roads and bridges, reducing congestion, cutting costs for drivers, and creating and sustaining quality jobs across our state. Speaking this businesses and residents, our state’s aging infrastructure is one of their top concerns, this is why the entire delegation fought so hard to get the infrastructure law passed. I am thankful for the leadership and vision of President Biden to help make these historic investments possible,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made the biggest, one-time investment in infrastructure in our nation’s history. This first round of $665 million in federal funding will be an important first step for improving Connecticut roads and highways. It funds much-needed upgrades to our infrastructure while also cutting commute times, making traveling safer, and creating lots of good-paying jobs,” said Senator Murphy.
“After decades of disinvestment in our nation’s infrastructure, we are in an exciting time where we have the opportunity to make continued improvements to Connecticut’s roads and bridges,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “Despite the progress we have made in Connecticut, too many families across our state continue to experience increased travel times and safety concerns. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this federal funding will not only fix our crumbling roads and bridges but will create new good-paying jobs across Connecticut. I was proud to support this historic legislation and will keep fighting to ensure every family can benefit from these investments as we rebuild and reimagine Connecticut’s infrastructure.”
“This funding for Connecticut infrastructure is monumental. I understand what it is like to drive across the Fifth District and see and feel the damage from town to town,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “I am glad there was consensus that roads and bridges need upgrades. Finally, we can address these issues and bring Connecticut forward. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents the largest long-term investment in our roads and bridges and we cannot take it for granted.”
“I hosted a telephone town hall with more than 6,000 people across eastern Connecticut after we passed the bipartisan infrastructure deal,” said Congressman Courtney, “and just about everyone I spoke with had a road, highway, or bridge in their community they wanted to see upgraded or repaired. The bipartisan infrastructure deal finally gave our state the kind of resources we need to kick our biggest transportation projects into high-gear, and to really expand the pool of ‘what’s possible’ on what sorts of projects we can do—from big-ticket items, to smaller local projects, and lots more in between. Now those resources are on the way, and people are going to see them in action. When we see repair work moving forward on the Gold Star Bridge, when we notice construction gearing up for the new Enfield Train Platform or for work on the Haddam Swing Bridge, remember: the IIJA is what’s helping us get it done.”
“Connecticut residents have had to live with poorly-designed infrastructure that does not meet the needs of today. I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law to provide a much-needed boost to our roads and bridges and create good-paying union jobs. This funding, a 20 percent increase from last year, will help cut down on commute times, bolster the supply chain for local businesses and keep travelers safe on the roads. With the American Society of Civil Engineers giving Connecticut a C- on its latest Infrastructure Report Card, the need for these funds has never been clearer,” said Congressman Larson. “President Biden and House Democrats are taking action to repair and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure for the 21st Century.”
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