Sean Teehan
A new capital plan recently released by the state Department of Transportation (DOT) calls on Connecticut to spend $12.1 billion over the next five years to rebuild its highways and bridges and invest in public transportation.
That funding total would be a significant ramp-up from actual spending in the previous five years, when DOT invested more than $7.7 billion in capital projects.
As it stands now, the plan is largely a wish list, since it would require the legislature and Bond Commission to approve billions of dollars in additional funding. However, it does offer a roadmap that the state DOT, under the leadership of current Commissioner James Redeker, hopes to pursue over the next half-decade.
Things, of course, could change as it's uncertain whether Redeker will remain commissioner under the new administration of Gov.-elect Ned Lamont. In an interview, Lamont said he is in the process of identifying and recruiting agency commissioners and he wouldn't commit to Redeker as his DOT choice.
For now, Redeker still heads DOT, and from his chair projects ranging from the I-84 viaduct replacement in Hartford to a $265 million I-91/Route 15 reconfiguration and a $100 million reconstruction of an I-84 stretch in Danbury, are top priorities in the years ahead.
DOT's push for increased investment comes as Connecticut continues to face big decisions about its future transportation strategy.
Revenue shortfalls in the state's Special Transportation Fund led Malloy in January to put on hold more than 400 DOT projects — worth nearly $4.3 billion — across the state. Those were put back in action when the state legislature transferred tax revenue funds for transportation use in fiscal 2019.
That action stabilized the fund for the next three or four years, a DOT spokesman said, but it's unclear whether it will remain sound after that.
"Our capital program's about a $2 billion-a-year program," Redeker said, adding that's not enough to meet his infrastructure goals. "So, we'll have to generate more money, and I think the answer's really a combination of picking the projects that can advance, get that economic return, potentially have some of that return back into transportation."
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has been a major proponent of boosting infrastructure investment, having unveiled a 30-year, $100 billion plan in 2015 to overhaul the state's transportation infrastructure. Finding revenue to fund that ambitious plan long term, however, has been a challenge, especially as lawmakers have been skittish about adopting electronic highway tolls.
A DOT study released last month claimed that installing statewide tolls on Connecticut's highways could generate $1 billion in annual revenue. DOT itself is remaining neutral on the tolls issue, but Lamont, a Democrat, has said he supports limited tolling on tractor-trailers. However, it's not clear if that strategy will pass legal muster as a similar law in Rhode Island is being challenged in federal court.
Meantime, on Election Day voters approved a transportation funding lockbox, which could provide better safeguards for transportation funds in the future and make it more palatable for lawmakers to adopt a tolling system. Some have charged, however, that the lockbox won't be airtight, and that lawmakers could still divert transportation funds to help balance the state's future operating budgets, as they've done in past years to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Regardless, the guiding principle behind transportation investment, Redeker says, is improving the state economy and making it easier to move goods and people across Connecticut.
The business community agrees the DOT needs a cash infusion to make the kinds of improvements that would make Connecticut more attractive to businesses and individuals, said Joe Brennan, president and CEO of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association.
"I think there's a general recognition that we need to upgrade our infrastructure, and we need resources to pay for it," Brennan said.
However, CBIA's board hasn't endorsed tolls and Brennan said the DOT proposal to install 82 toll gantries statewide would put more tolling plazas in Connecticut than exist in many other states.
The CEO-led Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth recently backed a project-specific tolling system to bolster infrastructure investment in the state.
Redeker's tenure
An ambitious infrastructure plan is nothing knew for Redeker — large-scale transportation projects aimed at economic development have been a hallmark of his time leading the DOT.
"If you're going to fix the economy, you're going to have to improve rail service, improve bus service, and you're going to have to get rid of congestion on highways," Redeker said during a wide-ranging interview.
He initially joined the agency in 2009 as chief of public transportation, but was promoted to acting DOT commissioner toward the beginning of 2011, after predecessor Jeffrey Parker retired. Redeker's position as DOT head was made permanent about five months later.
Progress was relatively slow, at first, Redeker said.
"In the first term, [transportation] was not the priority," he said.
But when Malloy won reelection in 2014, that changed.
"He basically called me in the next day, and said, 'Are you ready?' " Redeker recalled. "I said, 'What are we doing?' He said, 'We're doing transportation for this term.'"
That meant a five-year "Ramp-up Transportation Plan" that allocated $2.8 billion in transportation funding to kickstart a host of transportation projects starting in 2015.
Some of that went to high-profile undertakings like the $769 million Hartford Line rail project — which re-established passenger rail service between Hartford and Springfield, Mass. — and a $2 billion reconstruction of New Haven's Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, also known as the Q-Bridge, which was completed eight months ahead of schedule.
The $570 million CTfastrak busway connecting New Britain to Hartford also debuted under Redeker's watch.
When it comes to the Hartford Line, Redeker points to early successes, including about $400 million in transit-oriented development tied to the train line, and higher-than-expected ridership, including more than 47,000 passengers in October.
According to its capital spending plan, the DOT anticipates spending $2.6 billion in federal fiscal year 2019, which began Oct. 1. That amount includes about $1 billion for bus and rail services and $1.6 billion for highway and bridge infrastructure.
Construction on the Merritt Parkway corridor improvement project from Fairfield to Westport and the rehabilitation of the I-84/Route 8 Interchange in Waterbury would continue in 2019.
Of the total $12.1 billion in desired funds, which would include state and federal monies, 62 percent would go to highway projects, 36 percent would be used for public transportation and 2 percent for facilities.
Meantime, DOT is finishing up an environmental analysis for the planned I-84 Hartford viaduct project, which calls for the replacement of an aging bridge on a key highway stretch in Hartford. DOT officials are currently waiting on federal officials to release a record of decision regarding its environmental analysis — likely by early 2020 — which will include a financing and funding plan, Redeker said. Those results will give him a better idea of a construction timeline for the project.
DOT is also considering a high-profile proposal by Congressman John Larson to build a tunnel under the I-84, I-91 interchange in Hartford, which would put traffic underground and open up about 200 acres of undeveloped land in the city.
DOT officials were looking into this option before Larson proposed it, Redeker said, but right now it's one of six possibilities. A final decision on how to approach the interchange is probably a few years away, Redeker said.
Terri Slack | Vice President and Senior Project Manager, CDM Smith
Sean Teehan
The issue of Connecticut's deteriorating highways and bridges and the possibility of installing tolls were front and center during this year's gubernatorial election. It's also an issue Terri Slack knows a thing or two about.
Slack is a national tolling expert who recently joined engineering and construction firm CDM Smith in Hartford as vice president and senior project manager. Her firm made headlines recently publishing a study that concluded Connecticut could reap as much as $1 billion in annual revenues if it adopted statewide highways tolls.
She previously worked as a program manager for Jacobs Engineering, which served as a general toll consultant for Washington state's Department of Transportation, among other jobs.
After spending much of her career focused on highway issues, Slack says transportation is the heart of any government's economic engine.
You have worked on highway issues (including tolling) in several states. How does the situation in Connecticut compare with other states where you've worked?
One thing we all learned, and which I believe Connecticut is experiencing, is implementing a toll program is complex.
Whether tolling is in the startup phase as in Connecticut, or in a mature phase, such as Pennsylvania, Illinois, etc., every agency addresses similar issues.
Mature agencies are working to become more efficient by taking advantage of innovative technology — e.g. gated systems have been replaced with open road toll systems. Whether agencies are wrestling with policy issues or operational issues, I have found one thing in common: Everyone wants to do good for the toll customer.
How can highway infrastructure policy affect businesses in Connecticut?
Transportation and highway infrastructure policies and funding affect business in Connecticut in many ways.
The health of our economy depends on the system's ability to move people and goods efficiently and cost effectively. If an employee is stuck in traffic, day in and day out, making them late to work, that affects their job performance, thus threatening their employment status.
If a business is located where traffic, especially accident-inducing traffic, can make it too difficult to reach, that business suffers.
The more difficult our transportation system makes it for people to travel safely and efficiently, and deliver the state's commerce, the more Connecticut's economy suffers.
Stamford train station gets $22.9M for improvements
Barry Lytton
STAMFORD — A combined $22.9 million will next year be put to work improving the Stamford Transportation Center’s elevators, escalators and so-called internal circulation, or how people navigate the station.
The money, from a $9.2 million federal grant and a matching state grant of $13.7 million, is yet another parting gift to The City that Works from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, a longtime mayor who will be leaving the Governor’s Mansion next month.
The state in recent months put in motion two other large long-term improvements around the station. The state Department of Transportation plans to build a new $100 million parking garage nearby on South State Street and will also replace the railroad’s overpass on Atlantic Street for another $75 million, adding a lane for local trains.
Maron said “signage is probably the most important.”
It is unclear, however, what exactly upgrades to the “internal circulation system” means, and what the grant will fund. DOT spokesman Judd Everhart said in an email that “the upgrades are designed to improve flow within the facility through faster and more reliable people-moving equipment. Other enhancements to the Stamford Transportation Center are being explored as part of a multi-phased program, but we do not have specifics at this time.”
Although the state is picking up most of the bill on the upgrades, Malloy shared a good deal of credit in a news release with the state’s federal delegation and its ability to deliver a BUILD grant of nearly $10 million.
“I’ve been on a crusade to transform our transportation system in Connecticut,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “The Stamford station is the second-busiest station on the New Haven line. Upgrading the station to serve even more commuters is a big deal for Fairfield County. I’ll keep fighting to make our rail lines faster and more reliable.”
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said “reliable escalators, elevators and lighting will transform this key transportation hub for travelers region-wide. It will spur economic growth and new jobs and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.”
The money will fund upgrades to 17 escalators and several elevators, which will ensure the station can operate in a state of good repair for the next 25 years and beyond, according to the release. The DOT will administer the grant, and construction on the improvements is expected to begin next year.
In addition, and independent of this project, the DOT launched a multi-year improvement initiative that includes canopy, lighting, restroom and communications upgrades, the release said.
“Taken together, the upgrades will improve the reliability and speed of movement in the station, reduce the risk of severe delays, access impediments, and injuries to travelers,” it added.
Contractors reviewing bids for East Hampton’s new municipal complex
Jeff Mill
EAST HAMPTON — The new town hall/police department is about to take another important step forward.
The general contractor for the $18.9 million project is reviewing bids submitted by a slew of potential subcontractors to ensure their proposals meet specified requirements. Newfield Construction is working with construction manager Stephen Motto to review bids filed last week.
Newfield is expected to present a memorandum containing a list of approved low bidders to the building committee next week for their approval, according to Town Manager Michael Maniscalco, who added “We should have it in hand by end of next week.”
Maniscalco acknowledged the site, located in the Edgewater Hills mixed-use development, was turned into a quagmire by last week’s weather.
“We’ve been challenged by the persistent rainstorms,” he said. “It’s been incredibly difficult working. The site’s very muddy, and we have been trying to deal with the runoff and manage it so that the water’s as clean as it can be as it enters the lake (Pocotopaug).”
Rain has been persistent factor as the project progresses. Ground was broken for the project Sept. 28. It rained.Meanwhile, the concrete foundation for the 34,000-square-foot, two-story building has been poured.“As the general (contractor), Newfield hires all the [sub-contractors],” Maniscalco said. “(Subcontractors include) general trades, electrical, steel, drywall, roofing and [heating, ventilation and air-conditioning]. The concrete is in, so it’s everything from the concrete up.”As they review bid submissions, Newfield’s engineers and Motto will also be looking to ensure bidders take into account “add/alts” — additions and alternatives intended to keep the project within budget, Maniscalco said.
These are preferred items that be can be added to the project if there is sufficient savings, or dropped if there isn’t.Motto and his wife Lisa are developing Edgewater Hills. They approached the town about building the town hall on a 5-acre parcel of land inside the complex. The building will house government offices, the police department and Board of Education. The first two now occupy a decrepit, two-story building some seven decades old, and has, Maniscalco said, exhausted its usable life.
Nearly all features of the current facility are deficient, officials say, from the well that serves the building being contaminated, to a shifting foundation, leaks in the roof, a lack of adequate parking and the inability of handicapped residents to access the building.
The not-quite 3,000-square-foot police station lacks a female bath and changing room, which prevents the department from hiring female officers. Headquarters is deficit in any number of other ways, which inhibit the department from being the 21st-century force that residents and officers alike should expect, Police Chief Dennis Woessner has said.Groton school project referendum to be held Tuesday
Groton — The special referendum for people to vote on whether or not to approve an ordinance revising the Groton 2020 school plan that would enable the town to build two new elementary schools, rather than renovate existing buildings, will be held Tuesday.
In a referendum two years ago, Groton voters approved bonding $184.5 million to build one new consolidated middle school and renovate the existing Cutler Middle School and West Side Middle School into “like new” elementary schools.
But building two new elementary schools actually proved to be a more cost-efficient option than renovating the existing middle school buildings into elementary schools, Superintendent Michael Graner has said, and the state gave approval for the town to build new elementary schools.
In order for the town to do so, voters will need to approve the ordinance modifying the Groton 2020 school plan.
According to the town notice, the question will appear on the ballot as: “Shall the ordinance modifying the Groton 2020 plan to provide for the new construction of two Pre-K through grade 5 elementary schools rather than the renovation of schools, and amending ordinance No. 284 approved at referendum November 8, 2016 appropriating $184,500,000 for the design and construction of the Groton 2020 plan and authorizing the issue of bonds to finance said appropriation be approved?”
There are no changes proposed to the plan to build a consolidated middle school. If voters do not approve the revised ordinance, the version approved in 2016 still will be effective, according to the notice.
Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the following polling places:
District 1: Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Road, Groton
District 2: West Side Middle School, 250 Brandegee Ave., Groton
District 3: Groton City Municipal Building, 295 Meridian St., Groton
District 4: Mary Morrisson Elementary School, 154 Tollgate Road, Groton
District 5: School Administration Building, 1300 Flanders Road, Mystic
District 6: S.B. Butler School, 155 Ocean View Ave., Mystic
District 7: Fitch High School, 101 Groton Long Point Road, Groton