Connecticut House Bill HB06310

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/21
• Refer: 1/29/21

Caption

An Act Concerning A Transparent Ranking And Rating For Transportation Capital Projects.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would significantly alter how transportation projects are evaluated and funded at the state level. By instituting a nonpartisan body to apply the developed ranking methodology, the bill aims to minimize political maneuvering in the selection of projects for funding. This transparent approach could lead to increased efficiency in the allocation of state resources and enhance public trust in government decision-making. Moreover, it is anticipated that the prioritization of projects based on clear metrics will lead to better outcomes in transportation infrastructure development.

Summary

House Bill 6310 aims to enhance the transparency and objectivity surrounding the evaluation of transportation capital projects within the state. The bill mandates the development of a standardized methodology by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the Commissioner of Administrative Services, aimed at ranking and rating transportation projects that exceed a specified financial threshold. This methodology is intended to assess each project based on economic value, utilization measures, long-term social value, and return on equity, providing a comprehensive ranking on a scale of one to ten. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that funding is allocated to projects deemed most useful without political influence.

Contention

While the intent of HB 6310 is to streamline the process for evaluating transportation projects, there may be contention regarding the implementation of such a methodology. Stakeholders may raise concerns about the practical challenges involved in creating an effective ranking system that accurately reflects the diverse needs of different communities across the state. There may also be discussions around the selection of the nonpartisan body tasked with applying the methodology and ensuring fairness in its application. The stakes are high as various interest groups may vie for specific project funding, highlighting the potential for disagreement on what constitutes 'economic value' and 'social long-term value'.