WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Rosa. L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today announced $22 million in funding for transportation projects in her district. The funding was included in the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users or (TEA-LU), a bill that passed the House today.

“This funding provides millions for critical transportation and infrastructure projects in Connecticut’s Third District, which will improve the quality of life for residents in each town,” said DeLauro. “Getting new transportation projects off the ground and allowing existing projects to proceed not only improves infrastructure, but provides a necessary boost to our economy.”

For every $1 billion spent on transportation projects, 47,000 jobs are created or sustained. For this reason, DeLauro said Congress should have allocated more funding for transportation. “I remained concerned, that though this is a good start, the overall amount of funding in the bill is not sufficient to meet our national transportation needs,” said DeLauro.

Projects for the Third District included in TEA-LU include:

Widen Route 34, Derby $3,000,000

“This appropriation is a tremendous boost to our Main Street revitalization efforts. It will allow us to make long needed improvements to Route 34 along Main Street. Congresswoman DeLauro’s vision and leadership on this issue will improve the quality of life for Derby and the entire Valley.”— Derby Mayor Marc J. Garofalo

Construct Farmington Canal Greenway, New Haven and Hamden $2,500,000

“We are delighted to be able to receive the funds to allow us to complete the Farmington Canal Greenway to the New Haven border. The Canal is a tremendously popular recreational amenity, and is becoming increasingly a transportation corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. Our portion of the Farmington Canal was the longest span in the region and we are grateful for Congresswoman DeLauro's efforts to assist us in completing our 7.2 mile portion of the greenway.” — Hamden Mayor Carl J. Amento

“We applaud Congresswoman DeLauro's longstanding devotion to supporting the development of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. This new appropriation will provide much of the funding needed to connect New Haven's vibrant inner city with rural and suburban woodlands in Hamden and Cheshire. Completing the Hamden-New Haven connection creates nearly 15 miles of continuous off-road trail, providing, for the first time in our region, a healthy, safe and realistic alternative means of transport for commuters.” — Lisa Fernandez, President, Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Association (FCRTTA)

Construct Valley Service Road Extension, North Haven $2,000,000

“We are most thankful to Congresswoman DeLauro for supporting and including this project in the transportation bill. It will help open up development of one of the largest areas of industrial-zoned property in the state. One impediment to development is the cost of infrastructure and with the Congresswoman’s assistance we are able to move forward with our development plans, bringing employment and needed tax revenue, as well as enhancing the economic well-being of the area.” — North Haven First Selectman Kevin Kopetz

I-95/I-91/Rte. 34 Interchange, New Haven $2,000,000

Reconstruct Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, New Haven $2,000,000

“Although the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge is a major project in the South Central Regional Council of Governments Region, it is really a statewide necessity. These earmarks keep regional efforts alive.” — South Central Regional Council of Governments Executive Director Judy Gott

Construct Shoreline Greenway Trail, Guilford, Branford, East Haven $2,000,000

“Trail users from up and down the East Coast are grateful to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for the allocation of $2.5 million in transportation funds to close key gaps in the Maine-to-Florida East Coast Greenway in New Haven and Hamden. This 2600-mile urban trail system will bring tourists from around the globe to walk and cycle the eastern seaboard and explore its history and culture.” — Karen Votava, Executive Director, East Coast Greenway Alliance

Construct Intermodal center, Middletown $1,500,000

“This project is absolutely crucial for downtown development. With the increasing number of businesses opening downtown, this project encourages the continued revitalization of Middletown.” — Middletown Mayor Domenique Thornton

Campbell Ave. Streetscape, West Haven $1,500,000

“We are extremely fortunate to receive federal funding for this area in town. It’s about helping the veterans and making their lives better. This is a serious commitment to the rehabilitation of the gateway of our downtown through planned and continuous actions.” — West Haven Mayor H. Richard Borer, Jr.

Reconstruct Waterfront Street Corridor, New Have $1,500,000

"Waterfront Street reconstruction funding will rebuild the rail line and adjacent roadway from Forbes Avenue south in the New Haven Port District, improving safety and access and reestablishing direct rail/deepwater shipping intermodal connections. Rail service to the port is an important alternative to trucking, reducing air pollution impacts and saving space and wear on Connecticut highways." — New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr.

Multi-modal study of Route 8 corridor $1,000,000

“The future economic growth of Southern Connecticut depends on an efficient transportation system throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The entire Corridor served by Route 8 and the Waterbury Branch of the Metro North Railroad is growing at the fastest rate at any time in the post-war era. This funding provides the growth the area so desperately needs.” — Rick Dunne, Valley COG

Widen Route 67, Seymour $1,000,000

"I am please that Rosa worked so hard so Seymour can begin construction in a vital area of town. The widening of Route 67—a heavily-traveled road—will ease congestion and increase access to the Valley. — Seymour First Selectman Bob Koskelowski

Construct Housatonic Riverwalk, Shelton $1,000,000

“The extension of the Riverwalk remains an important goal in our Downtown revitalization plans for both recreation and economic development purposes. I'm very pleased that our application has passed this important step in the approval process.” — Shelton Mayor Mark A. Lauretti

Construct Quinnipiac Linear Trail, Wallingford $1,000,000

“The town of Wallingford is pleased to learn that funding has been included in the transportation bill for improvements in our community. I would especially like to thank Congresswoman DeLauro for advocating for improvements that will benefit Wallingford and the region.” — Wallingford Mayor William W. Dickinson, Jr.

“We’re very excited that Rosa really came through for Wallingford. This fundng will allow us to complete Phase II of the trail, which links to areas of Wallingford and connects Quinnipiac River towns. — State Representative Mary Mushinsky