Recent $237,000 In Transportation Funding Part Of A $152 Million Award

Mar 8, 2010 — The Hartford Courant

Don Stacom

Mar. 8, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- HARTFORD -- The small transportation stimulus funding for Connecticut announced Friday wasn't another case of the state's losing out in competition for federal grants.

Rather, the money was part of a larger $152 million award that state transportation officials cite as evidence that Connecticut is getting a good share of stimulus money.

A White House announcement on Friday listed Connecticut as getting $237,000 from a pool of $600 million in new transportation grants being distributed nationwide. A prominent state legislator on Friday called the grant "disappointing and disheartening," and The Courant on Saturday described the award as part of a competitive program.

But on Saturday, state Transportation Commissioner Joseph Marie called the news reports "misleading," and praised the state's record for getting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money.

"Connecticut has fared extremely well in ARRA funding for transit and highway projects, and we are putting these dollars -- and Connecticut citizens -- to work immediately," Marie said.

The White House list shows Connecticut receiving just $237,000 in transportation stimulus funding this month, with the money earmarked for a park-and-ride lot in Marlborough. The list shows that most other states received tens of millions or more to replace bus fleets and make other large-scale infrastructure improvements.

Connecticut's small grant represents only the last piece of a $152 million award, however. The money was given out last year to pay for more than 100 new buses, upgrades to Metro-North's Danbury branch and part of the New Haven rail yard construction.

"Our projects are moving forward, and it is great news that our federal partners have obligated the final $237,000 of our $152 million," Marie said.

State politicians and the DOT have come under fire because Connecticut was shut out from another transportation stimulus program this winter.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0083-42659167