Zawistowski Seeks Solutions For State Rest Area Closures

HARTFORD – State Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-61) recently submitted testimony in support of House Bill 6060 – a bill she proposed that seeks to create a task force to study alternative funding sources for rest areas on state highways.

“In recent years the State Department of Transportation has closed, limited hours or limited facilities to portable toilets for several rest areas along our state highways,” Zawistowski continued. “This has resulted in considerable inconvenience for travelers and significant complaints about unsanitary conditions. H.B. 6060 would create a task force to consider and make recommendations concerning alternative funding for our state’s highway rest areas.”

Limited hours and rest area closures has fielded widespread criticism across the state in recent years. H.B. 6060 seeks to offer an opportunity to correct the conditions at the affected rest areas, become less unfriendly to travelers, and explore ways to partner with private enterprises – ultimately offering a more welcoming face to travelers.

“This should not be limited to just the ‘adopt a rest area’ model but consider other options, especially opportunities for private investment such as advertising, exclusive vending contracts, ability to sell merchandise, even naming rights,” Zawistowski noted.

For more information on H.B. 6060, or any legislation that Rep. Zawistowski has proposed, please visit www.RepZawistowski.com or call (860) 240-8700.