Washington – Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) successfully secured more than $18 million for Connecticut's transportation and urban development needs, they announced today.  These resources, which were included in the Senate's Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, will go towards initiatives across the state aimed at reducing traffic congestion, promoting alternative modes of transportation, increasing transportation safety, increasing homeownership, fighting urban blight, and supporting youth development. The bill was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this week.

The two senators have also worked jointly to protect key housing and community development programs that are important to Connecticut.  In response to concerns expressed by Senators Dodd and Lieberman, together with many other senators, the committee rejected Administration budget proposals to cut funding for public housing, community development, senior housing and housing for persons with disabilities.

“Each of these initiatives can strengthen and improve Connecticut,” said Dodd.  “They can help alleviate traffic congestion, help meet our housing needs, and inject new life into some of our urban areas.  In short, they will help strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life for the people of our state.”

“This bill is good news for Connecticut,” Lieberman said. “The funding approved today will make significant strides in improving Connecticut's commute on our highway, rail and transit systems. The bill will also help revitalize Connecticut’s communities on a local level by providing money for libraries, youth centers and low-income housing; all key focal points of the urban initiatives our state has been promised.”

Nearly $16.5 million will support transportation initiatives, including $3 million to help ease traffic congestion and increase safety on I-95 in Branford and $5 million and $2 million for the Bridgeport and Norwich Intermodal Transportation Centers, respectively, which will help take traffic off of I-95 and transport people and goods in alternative ways.  The state will also receive $2 million to help plan and construct a rail station in eastern Stamford.  Housing and urban development initiatives are slated to receive $1.6 million, including $800,000 for low-income homeownership and repairs in New Haven, Vernon and Hartford, as well as $200,000 each for The Children’s Home in Cromwell, which serves children with special needs, and a youth center in Manchester.

The following received funding in the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill:

Transportation

• $5,000,000 for the Bridgeport Intermodal Transportation Center;
• $3,000,000 to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety at Exit 53 along I-95 in Branford;
• $2,000,000 for the construction of a new parking facility and pedestrian walkways associated with the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford;
• $2,000,000 for the construction of a new parking facility associated with the redevelopment of downtown Mansfield;
• $2,000,000 for the Norwich Intermodal Transportation Center;
• $2,000,000 for the development of a new commuter rail facility in eastern Stamford;
• $250,000 for the City of West Haven to conduct a feasibility study of extending Fresh Meadow Road to Route 34 (Derby Avenue); and
• $199,650 for safety improvements to the Norwalk Pulse Point Transit facility.

Housing and Urban Development

• $400,000 for Empower New Haven, Inc., New Haven, CT, for assisting low-income homeowners in making necessary repairs to their properties;
• $200,000 for the Town of Vernon, CT, for necessary interior and exterior renovations to the Amberbelle Mill facility that will prevent blight and keep the structure viable for commercial purposes in a low-income neighborhood;
• $200,000 for the City of Hartford, CT, Homeownership Initiative for increasing the city's current homeownership rate of 25%;
• $200,000 for The Children's Home, Cromwell, CT, for the reconstruction of its facilities serving children with special needs;
• $200,000 for the Town of Manchester, CT, for the development of a youth center on Spruce Street
• $200,000 for the renovation of the Blackstone Library in Branford; and
• $200,000 for the restoration of Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell

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