Connecticut Delegation Presses Transportation Secretary on Grants

WASHINGTON – Today the Connecticut Congressional delegation met with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to ask why our state - with some of the most crowded highways in the country - did not receive any of the $1.5 billion in federal transportation funds announced last week.

Secretary LaHood told the Connecticut delegation he shared their disappointment that the state did not receive funding even though good proposals were submitted.

As DOT decides which states will receive $600 million in TIGER grants this fall, LaHood promised the delegation that Department of Transportation officials will meet with ConnDOT and all of the Connecticut TIGER grant applicants to help them submit the most competitive applications possible.

"The Connecticut delegation is clearly united in their frustration and has done a good job of explaining why Connecticut needs funding," said Secretary LaHood. "I appreciate their bringing me their concerns. My department will meet with each and every Connecticut applicant to ensure that they are fully prepared to compete later this year."

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), along with Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Chris Murphy (CT-5), and Jim Himes (CT-4) also reiterated their strong support for the development of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line and urged the Secretary LaHood to consider it for funding under the $2.5 billion in high speed rail grants DOT will award this year.

"As we told the Secretary, the fact that our state was passed over is extremely disappointing, and we won't rest until Connecticut gets the resources it needs," said Senator Dodd. "He assured us that his department will meet with our applicants as they apply for more funding in the coming months, and I'm going to stay in close touch with him, my colleagues, ConnDOT, and other Connecticut applicants to ensure these commitments are met."

"I'm pleased that Secretary LaHood and the Department of Transportation have recognized that there were a number of worthy Connecticut projects that would create new jobs," said Senator Lieberman. "It's important that all Connecticut applicants get the opportunity to make their case for future funds, and I'm committed to working with the rest of the delegation to ensure that our state's roads and railroad infrastructure are getting the resources they need."

"While I remain disappointed that Connecticut was overlooked in the recent transportation project funding disbursement, I will work hard and advocate for our state's many worthy projects in getting them the support they deserve in the next round of funding," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "I look forward to working with Secretary LaHood and my colleagues to improve our state's infrastructure and to help alleviate the sky-high unemployment rates in the local construction industry."

Congressman John B. Larson, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus said, "I am confident after our meeting with Secretary LaHood that with renewed efforts and the assistance for Connecticut's applicants that the Secretary has committed to, that the requirements for our critical transportation projects will be met."

"I appreciate Secretary LaHood's candor today, and his regret that Connecticut did not receive TIGER funding in the first round. I look forward to working with the DOT, the State of Connecticut, and my colleagues in the Congressional Delegation to advocate for worthwhile projects in the upcoming second round of the program," said Rep. Courtney.

"I'm glad the U.S. DOT now sees what we already knew – Connecticut has a laundry list of worthy transportation projects that deserve federal dollars," said Rep. Murphy. "Connecticut has done very well in receiving stimulus funds to help put our people back to work, but this delegation isn't going to let any potential funding pass us by. I'm glad to have the Secretary's commitment to work with Connecticut in this next round of TIGER applications."

"I was very direct with Secretary LaHood that, given Connecticut's contribution to the national economy and the transportation challenges we face, the TIGER grant awards were completely unacceptable to us," said Rep. Himes. "The Secretary committed to working together as the TIGER process moves forward to ensure Fairfield County gets the investment we deserve."