OPINION: AN UPDATE ON TRANSPORTION

Improving our transportation infrastructure is integral to the future of Connecticut and much of this legislative session has been devoted to the issue. I believed it was important for my district to have a voice in these discussions, which is why I was thrilled to be placed on the Transportation Committee. Recently there have been several developments and I’d like to point some highlights out to you.

Governor Malloy proposed a 5-year ‘ramp-up’ plan to make improvements to our infrastructure. It is all part of a 30-year, $100 billion ‘vision’ to make Connecticut’s roadways and railways stronger. Items relevant to the Old Saybrook/Westbrook area include widening of I-95 from Old Saybrook to New London, improvements to the New Haven line of Metro-North, and improvements to Shoreline East, including studying the potential for a Niantic station.

The big question facing the legislature and the governor is how to pay for this. Malloy has appointed a nine-member commission to study how to best fund it and they are to submit a report by the end of the summer. One funding mechanism being considered is tolls.

Tolls were discussed in the Transportation Committee and I expressed my opposition to the idea based on the broadness of the bill. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to deliver a program for the establishment of tolls, but there were no guidelines or boundaries. Some constituents expressed tepid support for border tolls, but many were adamantly opposed to tolls throughout the state, which had been a problem back in the 80’s. I felt allowing the DOT authority, carte-blanche, on this was bad policy and might open the door for tolls anywhere, whether back in Madison or even on the Baldwin Bridge. Not to mention, Connecticut residents pay some of the highest gas taxes in the country and, in my opinion, should not be further penalized for driving within their state.

It is commonplace for dedicated funds to be re-purposed for use in the general fund. The special transportation fund (STF) is, unfortunately, no exception to this possibility. In response, I proposed a Constitutional amendment for a lockbox around the STF so that taxes on gasoline, DMV fees, and any other related revenue will go exclusively towards improving our infrastructure without any ability to raid it. This would include toll monies as well, if they are to be re-introduced.  I am happy to report that the bill received unanimous support from the Transportation Committee and will hopefully come for a full house vote soon.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me at devin.carney@housegop.ct.gov or (860) 240-8700 to discuss the issues mentioned or one that may be of importance to you.