Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the $455 million in federal stimulus funds awarded to the state Department of Transportation have been 100 percent obligated to 152 projects around the state, clearing the way for a busy spring construction season. The 100 percent obligation means that the projects have received approval for funding by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or Federal Transit Administration (FHA) and can be put out to bid. The two agencies, which partner with the state on transportation projects, have confirmed commitments for 62 state-level projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and 90 local projects.
“Connecticut, its economy and its construction industry are benefiting in countless ways under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and we are making real progress through our transportation initiatives,” Governor Rell said. “As we mark the one-year anniversary of the federal stimulus program, it is a real achievement to be able to say that we have already obligated 100 percent of the funding we have received for specific projects.”
In a memo on Monday (Feb. 22) to Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Joseph F. Marie, the FHWA congratulated Connecticut for expeditiously obligating all 128 state and local road and bridge projects, as well as 13 transportation “enhancement” projects, such as streetscape, greenway and bicycle/pedestrian projects. Connecticut has also obligated funding for 11 public transit projects.
“At Governor Rell’s direction, we have moved aggressively to keep our stimulus projects moving forward, and our progress is clearly evident around the state,” said DOT Commissioner Marie. “As we head into a new construction season this spring, we will be in high gear.”
Connecticut currently has 49 state-level ARRA projects where work has begun and another three under contract; $51.5 million of the $455 million awarded to Connecticut for transportation has been spent.
Details of all Connecticut transportation-related ARRA projects may be found at:
