Stories from 2009 (clockwise from bottom left): Advocates defeated major fare increases for buses and trains; the New Haven-Springfield rail line moved forward; State elected officials passed a complete streets law that will help pedestrians like these women in West Hartford; the Hartford-New Britain Busway.
Like the other states in the region, Connecticut contended with a difficult budget that took up much of the political agenda in 2009. However, the year saw meaningful transportation reform from both ConnDOT and the state legislature, including a complete streets law, the deferral of highway expansions, and progress on transit projects.
Contending With the Stimulus
Connecticut at first appeared to be caught flat-footed by the federal stimulus. The state did not release a draft list of transportation projects until February, but allocated the money relatively quickly and on needed repair and maintenance instead of road expansion. Connecticut also did a good job taking advantage of high-speed rail funds. As advocates suggested, it sought to use the funds for the New Haven-Springfield rail line as part of a coordinated effort by New England states.
Complete Streets is Highlight of Legislative Session
Tri-State and other groups advocated for a complete streets law throughout the first half of the year, organizing legislative luncheons and press events in Hartford. These efforts paid off when the General Assembly passed a complete streets law in June. The law, which was signed by Gov. Rell in July, requires projects to accommodate all road users, dedicates at least 1% of transportation funds to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and creates a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. Advocates also pushed for congestion pricing on the state’s highways, but legislators instead directed ConnDOT to further study adding tolls at state borders.
Marie Starts Culture Change at ConnDOT
ConnDOT Commissioner Joseph Marie put his stamp on ConnDOT this year, putting real momentum behind the New Haven-Springfield Line and Hartford-New Britain Busway. These efforts paid off in May when the Federal Transit Administration awarded a favorable rating to the Busway that puts it back in the running for federal funds. Gov. Rell and Marie announced in July that expanded Shore Line East rail service would finally be extended to New London by the end of 2009, though the extension has been postponed by a few months.
Marie has also proved a wise financial steward, citing cost while deferring wasteful road expansion projects like Route 11 and I-84.
