Governor M. Jodi
Rell today announced that the $455 million in federal stimulus funds awarded
to the state Department of Transportation have been 100 percent obligated to
152 projects around the state, clearing the way for a busy spring
construction season.
The 100 percent
obligation means that the projects have received approval for funding by the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or Federal Transit Administration
(FHA) and can be put out to bid. The two agencies, which partner with the
state on transportation projects, have confirmed commitments for 62
state-level projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
and 90 local projects.
“Connecticut, its
economy and its construction industry are benefiting in countless ways under
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and we are making real progress
through our transportation initiatives,” Governor Rell said. “As we mark the
one-year anniversary of the federal stimulus program, it is a real
achievement to be able to say that we have already obligated 100 percent of
the funding we have received for specific projects.”
In a memo on Monday
(Feb. 22) to Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner
Joseph F. Marie, the FHWA congratulated Connecticut for expeditiously
obligating all 128 state and local road and bridge projects, as well as 13
transportation “enhancement” projects, such as streetscape, greenway and
bicycle/pedestrian projects. Connecticut has also obligated funding for 11
public transit projects.
“At Governor Rell’s
direction, we have moved aggressively to keep our stimulus projects moving
forward, and our progress is clearly evident around the state,” said DOT
Commissioner Marie. “As we head into a new construction season this spring,
we will be in high gear.”
Connecticut
currently has 49 state-level ARRA projects where work has begun and another
three under contract; $51.5 million of the $455 million awarded to
Connecticut for transportation has been spent.
Details of all
Connecticut transportation-related ARRA projects may be found at:
http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1372&q=436026
For more
information, contact Amy Jackson-Grove, Division Administrator, Connecticut
Division, Federal Highway Administration, (860) 659-6703 x 3009.
