5/18/06-Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a 10-year, $2.3 billion transportation package May 15 that will pay for mass-transit projects without requiring tolls or increasing the state’s fuel tax, won widespread support in the House and Senate.
The initiative, previously HB5844, includes some money to study highway projects. Those projects include the completion of the engineering and design phase of widening Interstate 84 between Waterbury and Danbury, as well as environmental planning and assessment for the expansion of Interstate 95 between Branford and the Rhode Island line.
In addition, it requires Connecticut officials to start formal discussions with Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island on ways to enhance freight and regional commuter mobility.
About $1 billion of this year’s package will be bonded. The rest of the money will come from the federal government and a gross receipts tax on motor fuels, which now go into the state’s general fund.

5/4/06-The Senate voted unanimously May 1 to approve a 10-year, $2.3 billion transportation package that would fund mass transit projects without requiring tolls or increasing the state’s fuel tax. The House voted 143-4 late last month to approve it. The bill has been sent to Gov. M. Jodi Rell for her signature.
HB5844 also would include some money to study highway projects. Those projects include the completion of the engineering and design phase of widening Interstate 84 between Waterbury and Danbury as well as environmental planning and assessment for the expansion of Interstate 95 between Branford and the Rhode Island line.
In addition, it would require Connecticut officials to start formal discussions with Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island on ways to enhance freight and regional commuter mobility.
About $1 billion of this year’s package would be bonded. The rest of the money would come from the federal government and a gross receipts tax on motor fuels, which now go into the state’s general fund.
For bill status, call (860) 240-8888 or (860) 757-6550.