Connecticut House Bill HB05253

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/13
• Refer: 1/11/13

Caption

An Act Studying The Sale Of Land Acquired By The Department Of Transportation For The Purposes Of Improvements To Route 7 And The Use Of The Proceeds Of Such Sale To Upgrade The Danbury Branch Of The New Haven Commuter Railroad Line.

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly impact state laws concerning land use and transportation funding in Connecticut. The study mandated by the bill would provide insights into the viability of selling surplus DOT land and using the financial gains to bolster commuter rail services. As public transportation becomes increasingly vital for urban mobility, leveraging state-owned land for enhancing transit routes may resonate positively with constituents seeking improved transport efficiency and connectivity.

Summary

House Bill 05253, introduced by Representative Lavielle, seeks to explore the feasibility of selling certain land acquired by the Department of Transportation (DOT) that was originally intended for improvements to Route 7. The bill emphasizes the potential of utilizing the proceeds from such a sale to fund upgrades for the Danbury Branch of the New Haven commuter railroad line. This initiative is framed within the broader context of assessing transportation infrastructure enhancements in Connecticut.

Contention

However, the proposal may invite discussion regarding land ownership and usage priorities. Stakeholders, including local communities and environmental advocates, may raise concerns about the implications of disposing of publicly-held land. Questions around transparency in the sale process and the adequacy of resulting upgrades to the commuter rail may arise, prompting debates over the best strategies to enhance infrastructure while safeguarding community interests.