Connecticut Senate Bill SB00595

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Fiscal Accountability And Sustainable Transportation Reform Plan.

Impact

If enacted, SB00595 would amend several existing statutes to provide a framework for sustainable transportation funding. By requiring the Commissioner of Transportation to evaluate the use of federal loan agreements (TIFIA and RRIF) and to transfer funds from the Budget Reserve Fund to address unfunded liabilities, the bill seeks to promote a more responsible approach to managing state financial resources. This could lead to improved transportation infrastructure, albeit with stringent oversight to ensure funds are utilized properly.

Summary

SB00595, titled 'An Act Concerning the Fiscal Accountability and Sustainable Transportation Reform Plan', introduces measures aimed at enhancing fiscal accountability in Connecticut's transportation projects. The bill proposes the establishment of a Transportation Strategy and Advisory Board along with a Connecticut and New York Railroad Strategy Board, which will oversee transportation initiatives and project funding. The purpose is to ensure that transportation funding and projects are managed sustainably and effectively, addressing past service liabilities and improving oversight through required audits.

Contention

The bill does not seem to have faced significant opposition in terms of public record, as indicated by its lack of recorded votes thus far. However, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of funds and the oversight authority of the established boards. Critics might argue about the effectiveness of such boards or the implications of transferring budget reserves, which could be a point of concern for those advocating for a more liberal allocation of state funds to various sectors beyond transportation.