Improved Commutes for Connecticut

Representative Jahana Hayes (Ct. 5th District) applauds the signing of the 1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill

Connecticut has experienced harsh winter weather, decades of infrastructure disinvestment, and transportation pipelines that no longer meet the needs of the population. Connecticut’s aging infrastructure needs serious repairs and modernization. Across our state there are 248 bridges and over 2,100 miles of highway in poor condition. It is reported each driver pays $711 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. Additionally, Connecticut residents who take public transportation spend an extra 130 percent of their time on commutes. From potholes to chronic traffic, Connecticut’s infrastructure is currently rated one of the worst in the entire country.

For the people of Connecticut’s Fifth District, the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is welcome news. 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $3.5 billion to overhaul Connecticut’s bridges and highways, which will improve commuting and travel experiences for residents. Eleven billion is included to invest in nationwide transportation safety programs to help reduce crashes and fatalities; as well as $89 billion in guaranteed funding for public transit over the next five years nationwide. This bill also invests $66 billion in rail funding to eliminate Amtrak maintenance backlog and $30 billion to modernize the Northeast Corridor. This legislation will help lower costs for families who use rail, drive, or bike to work, and ride buses, in many ways.

Last week, I joined Governor Lamont for a press conference on what this investment will look like for trains in our state, such as the Waterbury Branch line. Riders on this line and others throughout our state deserve sustainable and reliable options. 

It was an honor to join President Biden for the signing of this landmark legislation.

For decades, infrastructure in Connecticut has suffered from a systemic lack of investment. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. It will make life better for Connecticut residents and create millions of jobs.