By ROB SULLIVAN During a recent stop in Rocky Hill, Gov. Dannel Malloy spoke at a construction site where the upstate towns Old Main Street Bridge is being replaced to the tune of $1.87 million. The governor took this opportunity to tout his administrations commitment to improving and upgrading Connecticuts infrastructure. As a former mayor, I know how vital our local transportation systems are to the overall economic competiveness of our state, said Malloy. Making improvements to our transportation infrastructure requires working with our partners at the municipal level to ensure that crucial capital improvement projects move forward. By putting more state money toward infrastructure, we create jobs in the short term and improve resident safety and quality of life over the long term. Malloy also touted the fact that his administration has expanded the Local Bridge Program by an additional $25 million over the last two years. During that time, the program has committed approximately $35 million in state funds to assist municipalities in their efforts to replace or rehabilitate 48 bridges. In Connecticut, there are more than 3,400 bridges and culverts on municipally maintained roads. The legislature created the State Local Bridge Program in 1984 as part of the States Infrastructure Renewal Program. The program provides for state grants to municipalities for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges. Republican challenger Thomas Foleys camp was not impressed with Malloys performance. This political stunt is sure to backfire with commuters who know that Malloy's reckless raiding of the Special Transportation Fund has resulted in Connecticut having the worst roads and bridges in the nation, according to the White House, with 73 percent of our roads in `poor or mediocre condition' and nearly 10 percent of our bridges classified as `structurally deficient,' said Chris Cooper, a campaign spokesman in a statement. Foley said, Transportation infrastructure is a critical component to achieving job growth. A long term transportation plan must take into account the needs of employers. I believe that we have invested too little in our transportation infrastructure, and even worse, the state does not make decisions based on a long-term transportation plan. No matter whose take on the transportation issue is ultimately vindicated, there is little question that Connecticut residents, business people and commuters feel that the states transportation infrastructure is in desperate need of repair. Traffic congestion on its major highways, crumbling bridges and erratic and unsafe performance by Metro North railroad has placed this problem at the forefront of the gubernatorial. Earlier this year Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau said, Transportation is the number one issue in the state as it pertains to jobs. The situation is at the point where business expansion to the state is suffering badly. It is extremely difficult to get a business to move here when these types of transportation problems continue to persist. Fairfield State Representative Kim Fawcett, chairwoman of the Transportation Bonding subcommittee believes that Connecticuts transportation network, particularly its rail system is horrible, horrific and describes the transportation issue as her passion. The infrastructure is crumbling and it has to be addressed, explained Fawcett. We need a road map, a long term plan. The most important economic investment we can make in Connecticut right now is in our transportation system, she said. In a recent interview, Congressman Jim Himes agreed with Fawcett saying about Metro North, Not only has the service considerably deteriorated, but now we have to worry that its unsafe and that is paramount. Businesses are also alarmed at the condition of the Nutmeg States transportation network. In a December 2013 survey the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) called the states congested roadways the biggest concern of the states business community. At the time, James P. Torgerson, president and chief executive officer of UIL Holdings Corporation in New Haven, called for improvements to the states beleaguered transit system saying, Connecticuts economy will continue to stagnate unless we invest in improving connectivity both within the state and to the New York City and Boston metropolitan areas, he said today. More and better transit options will support economic growth and improve quality of life. Both candidates and the majority of state residents emphatically believe that the condition of Connecticuts transportation system is crippling its economy. The question Novembers winner must address is what to do about it.
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