Larson Welcomes First $137 Million in Transportation Recovery Funds to Connecticut
March 5, 2009
Contact: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295
LARSON WELCOMES FIRST $137.5 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION RECOVERY FUNDS TO CONNECTICUT
Hartford, CT - The White House and the Department of Transportation announced that the first $137,526,347 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act transportation funds will be released today to Connecticut. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) welcomed this infusion of funds and the jobs it will bring to the first district. The city of Hartford will directly receive nearly $30 million for transportation projects and an additional almost $500,000 for rail improvements. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is expected to create 41,000 new jobs in Connecticut.
"Connecticut, like many other parts of this nation, has seen the terrible effects of the current recession. Many of our neighbors and friends have been laid off. And, thousands are losing their homes or their health care. Today, we begin to turn that around with funds that offer short term help to our current crisis and long term solutions to keep our economy strong. The $137.5 million that is coming to our state, and particularly the almost $30.5 million that is already slated to go directly to Hartford, will go a long way to boost our local economy. It will put the men and women in our construction industry to work on projects that will benefit our area in the long run. And, it will create demand for all of the businesses that supply equipment and support to our transportation industry, infusing money into the every sector of our economy. "
From the $137,526,347 the following amounts will be distributed to the cities and municipalities according to formulas in the law:
· $101.5 million in grants from public transportation capital investments in urban areas. Hartford will get nearly $30 million of that.
· $4 million for transit capital assistance to rural and small urban public transportation systems.
· $32 million for capital projects to modernize or improve our rail systems, including about $500,000 to Hartford.