Connecticut House Bill HB05323

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/20
• Refer: 2/26/20

Caption

An Act Requiring The Department Of Transportation To Develop A Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan.

Impact

The bill's impact will be substantial as it defines a structured approach to address and improve statewide transportation challenges. By channeling significant investment into infrastructure, the bill directly addresses the needs for modernization and upgrades of transportation facilities. This could improve not only the safety and reliability of the state’s transportation network but also potentially stimulate economic growth by creating jobs related to construction, maintenance, and transportation services. Consequently, it underscores the importance of long-term planning in transportation, aligning state efforts with federal funding opportunities and smart financing strategies.

Summary

House Bill 5323 mandates the Department of Transportation to devise a comprehensive transportation infrastructure investment plan for a decade, starting from July 1, 2020. The plan is expected to span through June 30, 2030, and aims to address the deteriorating state transportation facilities. It sets parameters for potential financial allocations reaching up to nineteen billion dollars, which would be allocated towards the repair, rehabilitation, and enhancement of the state's transportation infrastructure. The inclusion of various funding sources such as federal transportation grants and different financing instruments bolsters the bill's provisions for significant investment.

Contention

Notably, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of this substantial funding, particularly in balancing the interests of different regions within the state. Communities with varied needs may argue over resource distribution, and there could be debates on prioritization of projects based on economic impact versus public safety features. Additionally, as with any long-term financial plan, scrutiny over projected savings and efficiency improvements will be critical to ensure that the proposed budgetary allocations are realistic and effectively implemented.