Connecticut's legislative session has begun and while this is a short three-month session, running from Feb. 8 to May 9, there is plenty of opportunity for lots to happen. Some of the bigger transportation issues, such as those that address the problem of funding transportation i.e. tolls, tax, may not be heard this session. Others, such as cutting funding for public transit, will be on our radar as we try to highlight the impact and the long-term consequences of these issues on the health of our environment. First up, we have the Vulnerable User bill that we tracked last year and that we have high hopes for being enacted this year.

Around the State

Vulnerable User Bill: SB 111

CTLCV supports the Vulnerable User bill because it promotes pedestrian friendly, walkable communities, by ensuring our roads are safe for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, horseback riders and people in wheelchairs. Unfortunately, Connecticut's roads are still hostile to non-motorized users because of a dearth of enforcement when drivers are careless. The vulnerable user bill consists of several components, none of which require any additional revenue from the State for enactment. The bill will establish penalties for infliction of serious physical injury or death to a vulnerable user (such as a pedestrian) when a driver fails to operate due care when using a motor vehicle. The penalties include a motor vehicle operator's retraining program, performance of community service and a fine of not more than five thousand dollars.

The public hearing for the VU bill was held on Feb. 22 and there were a number of groups representing thousands of constituents testifying in support of this bill including, CTLCV, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, AARP, Sierra Club, 1000 Friends of CT and CT Horse Council.  Read testimony here.

While there is a great deal of support for the VU bill, just as significantly there has been no public opposition to the bill.  Kudos to Senator Beth Bye for sponsoring the bill and to co-chairs of the Transportation Committee, Sen. Andrew Maynard, Rep. Tony Guerrera  and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Eric Coleman for also expressing support.

 Around the Nation:

At the end of last week, Speaker Boehner finally called uncle on his controversial and destructive transportation bill that would have removed dedicated funding for public transit, depleted funding for bike and pedestrian enhancements, significantly cut states' funding for transportation infrastructure, jeopardized some of our environmental protections and tied transportation funding to new and expanded drilling.  Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters called the transportation bill:"a clear giveaway to Big Oil, that undermines bedrock environmental laws, and seeks to force a permit on the recently rejected Keystone XL pipeline."

Given the overwhelming and broad based opposition to the bill from major business, labor, transportation, environmental and health organizations and without enough support from his own party to move the bill forward, Speaker Boehner delayed the vote and is in the process of re-vamping the bill.  The revised bill may be out at the end of this week or early next week. Meanwhile, the Senate is working on their own version of a transportation bill.  While not perfect the Senate bill, called 'MAP-21' stands for 'Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act', restores dedicated funding for public transit and has a more balanced approach to funding transportation.

Transportation for America has an quick, easy to read summary of the problems with the House transportation bill on their website and they will continue to follow this issue as it develops. Read their summary on their website.

We heard loud and clear at our December Environmental Summit, there is no "either/or" choice between the economy and the environment.   It is impossible to disconnect the two.  Public, private, and nonprofit interests are all stakeholders-how can we be sure in 2012 that all three sectors are moving together to benefit the environment and the economy at the same time?

Below is a snapshot of the long term vision and goals for transportation, followed by immediate legislative initiatives expected in 2012 to advance these larger goals, drafted as a collaborative effort of many environmental groups in preparation for our Environmental Summit.   The complete document outlining all resource issues, can be found on our website at www.conservationeducation.org. 

We'd like to hear from you!  Are we on track?  What is your vision for Connecticut's transportation system? What are your goals for transportation in 2012?  Please email your responses to kirsten.griebel@ctlcv.org

Vision & Goals for a Sustainable Transportation System

Connecticut will have a multi-modal transportation system that provides consumers with appropriate transportation options, reduces vehicle miles traveled, congestion and greenhouse gases, and at the same time spurs transit-oriented development and promotes sustainable land use.  The transportation system will be fully integrated into the regional "knowledge corridor," provides easy access to jobs, education, recreation and tourism for all users, and addresses the specific needs of the fastest growing segment of Connecticut's population - our senior citizens. 

Some steps we can take in 2012 to help achieve our vision include:

• Provide funding and framework to generate transit-oriented development to support and spur economic development
• Enable new transportation finance mechanisms of dedicated revenue (eg. gas tax, congestion pricing) to fund  multi-modal transportation with priority given to repair and maintenance of roads and bridges, public transit and bike/ped investments
• Maintain/increase level of service for public transit, keeping fares reasonable to encourage transit use
• Enact Vulnerable User protections to make our streets safe for all users
• Improve law enforcement agencies' ability to enforce existing ATV laws by 1) requiring registration and 2) forfeiture of the vehicle as a potential penalty. (No new trails for ATV's without maintenance and enforcement funding and staff, safety regulations, and universal registration.)

On December 6, 2011, CTLCV hosted its 12th Annual Environmental Summit in downtown Hartford, with over 200 people in attendance.  The overarching message that our state can still have environmental excellence in a time of economic constraint was reinforced throughout the day. We have long understood that there is no "either/or" choice between the economy and the environment, and that public, private and non-profit interests are all stakeholders.  

The Summit included a panel on "Transportation, The Environment and The Economy" with  Peter Malkin, President of Malkin Holdings, LLC, Sue Merrow, Chair of 1000 Friends of CT, DOT Commissioner Jim Redeker and DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith, moderated by Joe McGee, Business Council of Fairfield County.  Thought provoking discussion delved into a range of relevant issues such as transit oriented development and bike/pedestrian initiatives. Hartford Courant columnist, Rick Green highlighted this panel in his article the next day. Click here to read it!

As the 2012 legislative session looms closer, we have the best opportunity in years to keep issues moving forward in a positive direction for all! If you missed the event, you can watch it on CT-N! Click here.

Congress has approved a six-month extension of transportation funding, temporarily easing states' concerns that money for infrastructure projects  would expire. The funding extension helps avoid shutting down infrastructure projects all over the nation.  Read the full Stateline article here.


Obama has been pushing for the funding renewal for some time.  Around Labor Day, the White House released a state-by-state analysis of how many jobs would immediately be lost if transportation funding were not renewed.  Connecticut would have lost more than 10,000 jobs, according to White House data here:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/07/clock-ticking-clean-extension-transportation-bill.

CTLCV's Kirsten Griebel was quoted by the Hartford Courant's Don Stacom, who reported on the September 7 Department of Energy and Environmental Protection hearing on the Hartford - New Britain Busway:  " ' The busway will promote environmental justice by reducing air pollution for citizens in Hartford County, especially those in the inner-city neighborhoods, and by increasing transit options,'  said Kirsten Griebel of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters."

Read the full story here:  http://www.courant.com/community/new-britain/hc-busway-environment-0908-20110907,0,3306592.story.

DEEP Hearing on Busway Set for September 7 at CCSU; Supporters Sign Letter to DEEP Commissioner Esty

On September 7 at 6:30 PM in Welte Auditorium on the CCSU campus, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will hold a public hearing on Connecticut's first major public transit project in decades:  the New Britain-Hartford Busway.  

This bus rapid transit system will be a critical piece of a 21st century transportation system that will connect rail service, cities, neighborhoods, universities, medical centers, and bike and pedestrian pathways throughout Greater Hartford. 

It will quickly create 4000 new jobs and stimulate economic development around the transit stations.  And importantly for the environmental community, the Busway will reduce the number of cars and reduce congestion on our highways leading to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.  The Busway will also encourage more efficient land use while decreasing sprawl.

CTLCV and the many other environmental groups that support the Busway project will remain vigilant to make sure it is the greenest, most sustainable public transit project possible. 

In the letter below to DEEP Commissioner Esty, we have identified some of the key environmental issues that need to be considered and monitored as the Busway project moves forward.  The letter is signed by a diverse coalition of environmental groups, elected officials, business leaders and transportation planners, demonstrating that the environment and the economy are not mutually exclusive.
  
We urge all of you to attend the September 7 public hearing or to submit written comments regarding the Busway to the DEEP Hearing Officer, Ms. Janice Deshais at janice.deshais@ct.gov.

DEEP September 7, 2011 Public Hearing Information

• When: Wednesday, September 7at 6:30 p.m with DEEP and DOT representatives available at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the project informally or answer questions from the public
  
• Where:  Welte Auditorium, CCSU Campus, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain with parking in Welte Garage  Directions 

For more information:  Click here for a brief summary of Busway project.  General information about the Busway project is available at www.ctrapidtransit.com.  The application and related materials are available online at www.ct.gov/dep/busway.    

Feedback, Questions, and News Tips:  We welcome your feedback, questions, and news tips.  Please email them to kirsten.griebel@ctlcv.org.



Environmental, Business Groups and Elected Officials Sign Letter of Support for New Britain-Hartford Busway
DOWNLOAD THE LETTER (PDF)

September 5, 2011
Commissioner Daniel C. Esty
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Dear Commissioner Esty,

We are writing in support of the proposed New Britain-Hartford Busway and specifically in regard to the inland wetland permit submitted to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection by the Department of Transportation.

Based on a review of the materials included in DOT's inland wetland permit application, it appears that the project strikes the appropriate balance between protecting the wetlands and allowing construction of the New Britain-Hartford Busway. 

Moreover, with the completion of the Busway, much of the 2 acres of impacted wetlands will be replaced by an extensive mitigation plan that will create a contiguous 8.8-acre system of new or enhanced wetlands. 

Furthermore, this Bus Rapid Transit system will result in other significant environmental benefits for our state.  The New Britain-Hartford Busway will:

• Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and reduce congestion on the highways, both of which will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leading to cleaner air.
  
• Promote environmental justice by a.) reducing air pollution for citizens in Hartford County, an area with one of the highest asthma rates in the country, especially for those living in inner city neighborhoods; and b.) expanding travel options for those citizens without cars to access jobs, education (i.e.: CCSU), and medical care.
• Provide a 21st Century public transit system critical to transit oriented development (TOD), which has proven to decrease sprawl and encourage more efficient land use.
• Stimulate brownfield cleanup around Busway stations, i.e.: Newington's abandoned National Welding building, abutting both Cedar Street Station and Hayes development site.
• Include a new five-mile long multiuse trail for cyclists/pedestrians.

As the New Britain-Hartford Busway moves forward the environmental community will continue to advocate for:

• The implementation of and strict adherence to the proposed mitigation plan.
• The use of low impact development (LID) best practices at every opportunity along the Busway route and in construction of the stations, i.e.: pervious pavers at stations, swales, buffers, rain gardens, stormwater management.
• The preference for bridges, not culverts, over primary and intermittent stream crossings to protect fish habitat and streamflow where appropriate.
• Commitment by DOT to purchase clean fuel buses.
• The outreach, planning and investment necessary for responsible transit oriented development, including walkable village centers, mixed use development and multi-income housing surrounding the stations to ensure that the transit system is used and that environmental and economic benefits of the investments are realized.
• The implementation of a complete streets strategy along the entire Busway corridor and surrounding neighborhoods with a firm commitment to dedicate 1% of the project to fund it, as required by Connecticut's complete streets law.
• The development of the new multiuse trail to the maximum potential.
• The protection of mature trees, other valuable natural vegetation and appropriate buffers, to the greatest extent possible, during construction.

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to working with you and the staff of the DEEP as well as the DOT and the DECD to ensure the New Britain-Hartford Busway becomes a first class, environmentally and economically beneficial bus rapid transit system for Connecticut.

Sincerely,

Lori Brown, Executive Director, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
Don Strait, Executive Director, Connecticut Fund for the Environment
Karen Burnaska, Coordinator, Transit for Connecticut
Tom Colligan, Interim Executive Director, Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice
Cheryl Dunson, President, League of Women Voters of Connecticut
David Kooris, Vice President, Regional Plan Association
Ryan Lynch, Connecticut Coordinator, Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Senator Steve Cassano, 4th District
Senator Terry Gerratana, 6th District
Senator Ed Meyer, 12th District
Representative Tim O'Brien, 24th District
Representative Robert Sanchez, 25th District
Pedro E. Segarra. Mayor, City of Hartford
Timothy T. Stewart, Mayor, City of New Britain
Mary Glassman, First Selectman, Town of Simsbury and Chair, Capitol Region Council of Governments
Gerry Amodio, Executive Director, New Britain Downtown District
Carolle Andrews, Chief Administrative Officer, University of Connecticut Health Center
Oz Griebel, President, MetroHartford Alliance
Avner Krohn, President, Jasko Development
Jack Miller, Presiden, Central Connecticut State University
William Millerick, President, New Britain Chamber of Commerce
Mary Tomolonius, Executive Director, Connecticut Association for Community Transportation

At the Capitol:  State Budget Impact on Transportation Projects Still Uncertain
With the state labor unions voting to accept the concessions package, Connecticut now has a state budget in place.  It is still unclear how transportation funding will shake out.  Governor Malloy's initial budget, Plan A, left most transportation funding intact.  Unfortunately, it seems likely that public transit riders will see fare hikes and/or service cuts.  This is the time when the state should be working to attract more riders; fare hikes and service cuts takes us in the wrong direction and will put more people back in their cars and add more cars to our already congested highways.

ConnDOT is holding a series of six public hearings around the state over the next week about transit fares and services.  The first public hearing is Monday, August 22, in New Britain.  It is important that the public shows up and speaks out to keep public transit in the forefront of the state's transportation priorities for funding.  For a complete list of the public sessions, visit www.ct.gov/dot/farecomments.

To submit your comments by email on the proposals, visit dot.farecomments@ct.gov.
 

Around the State: Putnam Bridge Renovation Offers Great Chance for Walking, Running,  Biking Across River
The Putnam Bridge connecting Glastonbury and Wethersfield over the Connecticut River is up for a major renovation providing a golden opportunity to finally add bike lanes and a walkway to this 52- year-old bridge. ConnDOT is planning a $33 million rehabilitation project to fix safety and structural deficiencies with construction starting in 2012 and completed in 2013.  The estimated construction cost of this bridge project is $33 million with 80% coming from federal funding and 20% from state funding.

Historically, there has not been any pedestrian or bike access over the Putnam Bridge but ConnDOT staff, town officials, and bike/pedestrian advocates now are working together to develop a plan for linking the two sides of the Connecticut River for people who want to walk or bike between the two communities.  It would allow people to ride from Somerset Square in Glastonbury to Old Wethersfield town center.  The Putnam Bridge is also a critical piece of a larger bike route for people who want to commute to Hartford by bike.

The town councils in Glastonbury and Wethersfield have unanimously approved resolutions supporting the idea, and support has come from the Capitol Region Council of Governments, Bike Walk CT, Glastonbury Bikeways and Goodwin College in East Hartford.

At recent public meetings, ConnDOT stated that there is limited space and no funds yet allocated for bike/pedestrian access on the Putnam Bridge.  ConnDOT has determined that the rehabilitated bridge can support a six foot wide sidewalk on just one side of the bridge at a construction cost of $5-$10 million.  ConnDOT has informed the towns and public that this amount does not include funding for construction of the town-side approaches to the bridge sidewalk, an undertaking that ConnDOT states is the responsibility of the towns, not the state.  That's troubling to hear when we have a Governor who stresses bike/pedestrian initiatives as a priority for Connecticut's transportation infrastructure and a state legislature that passed the Complete Streets law in 2009 that requires 1% of all new transportation projects to be dedicated to bike/ped improvements.  

Take action and tell the decision makers how you feel.  Their email addresses are:

• Scott A. Hill, DOT's manager of bridges and facilities:  scott.hill@ct.gov
• State Rep. Jason Rojas:  jason.rojas@cga.ct.gov
• State Rep. Russ Morin:  russell.morin@cga.ct.gov
• State Rep. Prasad Srinivasan:  prasad.srinivasan@housegop.ct.gov
• State Sen. Paul Doyle:  paul.doyle@cga.ct.gov
• State Sen. Steve Cassano:  steve.cassano@cga.ct.gov

Around the Nation:  Connecticut Wins $15 Million in Federal Transportation Funding
 Connecticut won $15.7 million in grants for transportation from the Federal Highway Administration.  On August 17, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a new round of federal grants for state transportation projects.  Compared to some of our neighbors, Connecticut fared pretty well this time.  Massachusetts received $6.1 million, Rhode Island received $1.6 million, Vermont received $4.2 million, New York received $16.2 million and New Jersey received $4.5 million.

Two of the projects that will be funded through these grants are for tolling studies-a $1.1 million grant to study congestion pricing for I-95 corridor from New Haven to NY and a $644,000 grant to study "pricing strategies" (i.e., tolls) for I-84 in Hartford related to the rebuilding of the I-84 viaduct.

It was very encouraging to also see a $1.3 million grant awarded to New Britain to implement a complete street strategy for the downtown area.  With the New Britain-Hartford Busway project moving forward this kind of funding is very timely.  Ensuring safe and accessible streets for pedestrians and bikers in the downtown area that connect with the stations for the new bus rapid transit system, will further enhance the community for developers, businesses, residents, and visitors. 

To view the press release and complete list of projects, visit  http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1137/fhwa1137ct.htm

Kudos to ConnDOT for applying for and receiving these grants!

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting to discuss the New Britain-Hartford Busway, a 9.4-mile bus rapid transit service that will improve mobility in the I-84 corridor west of Hartford.  Come learn more about the project, view a brief presentation, and talk with the Busway project team.

Thursday August 11, 2011 | 6:30 p.m.
DiLoreto Multimedia Room, Frank DiLoreto Hall
Central Connecticut State University
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06050

Public parking available at nearby Manafort Drive Hall on Manafort Drive
<Interactive Campus Map>

This facility is ADA accessible. Individuals requesting language assistance or accommodations due to a disability may call (860) 594-3061; or (860) 594-3090 (TTY). For consideration your request should be submitted 7 days prior to the event. The department will make every reasonable effort to provide assistance when possible.

Click here to learn more about the busway.

With the recent announcement by Governor Malloy, US Representative Joe Courtney and ConnDOT on the decision to fund a $5 million feasibility study to complete Route 11 in southeastern Connecticut, the CTLCV Education Fund has asked both sides of the issue to weigh in.  This project has been studied for decades and the environmental and economic impacts are significant.  

We previously posted positions on both sides of the debate: Route 11 Debate.  


Now you can read the rebuttals:  Rebuttal to opposition’s points by those supporting the RT 11 Extension, by David Bingham, MD and Rebuttal to supporter’s points by those opposing the Rte 11 Extension, by Ryan Lynch.

For questions, contact Kirsten Griebel at kirsten.griebel@ctlcv.org or 860.236.5442.

On June 27 US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $1.58 billion for 27 transit projects nationwide that will improve public transportation access for millions of Americans while reducing our dependence on foreign oil and curbing air pollution.

“Investing in a modern transportation network is a key part of President Obama's strategy to win the future by out-building and out-competing the rest of the world," Secretary LaHood said. “America’s long-term economic success requires investing now in transportation infrastructure capable of moving people and goods more safely, efficiently and quickly than ever before.”

 “Our investments in expanding America’s transit networks will not only improve reliable transportation access for communities across the country, they will support construction jobs and economic development,” said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff.  “And, a more efficient and reliable transit network means new opportunities for Americans to keep more of their paychecks in their wallets and spend less at the gas pump.”

Twenty-seven transit projects across America are on a path to receive funding under the New Starts program, through which Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides federal support for major capital construction projects such as subways, light rail, streetcars, and bus rapid transit. These projects include:

• The New Britain-Hartford Busway will provide commuters traveling between New Britain and Hartford a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to the current daily commute on Interstate 84, the region’s most congested highway. The dedicated busway will provide the area’s relatively large transit-dependent population better access to the 81,000 jobs along the route and across the busway’s 11 stations, promote redevelopment opportunities along the 9.4-mile corridor, and provide faster transit access to major activity centers throughout the area. The FTA anticipates an overall federal commitment of $275.3 million to the $572.7 million project.

Read more at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/fta3311a.html.