Governor Rell Directs Agencies to Have

Projects ‘Shovel Ready’ in Anticipation of Stimulus

Listen to Gov. Rell here and here

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that in anticipation of a federal stimulus package she has directed state agencies to identify those infrastructure projects, including road, bridge, rail and public buildings and economic development and housing initiatives that have received all necessary permits and, as appropriate, final designs.

“We will be ready to begin these projects as soon as federal dollars are available,” Governor Rell said.  “I have said all along that the best economic stimulus is jobs, jobs, jobs. We want these projects to be shovel-ready to get people working as soon as possible.”

The Governor has directed the Departments of Public Works, Transportation and Economic and Community Development to prioritize those projects that are ready to be undertaken subject to federal funding.

The Governor has written to President Bush, Congressional leaders and the Connecticut Congressional delegation urging timely passage of a second stimulus package that focuses on investments in public infrastructure, Medicaid reimbursement funding and money for unemployment benefits.

The Governor is also meeting with President-elect Obama on Tuesday in Philadelphia with other governors to discuss the specific needs of states. The Governor said she plans to emphasize that infrastructure monies should be 100 percent federally funded rather than having states provide the traditional 20 percent match.

“States simply do not have the funds to match the federal dollars at this time,” Governor Rell said. “Connecticut, like many states, continues to have significant infrastructure needs. Northeast states have some of the oldest transportation infrastructure in the country and have to contend with the eroding effects of snow and cold weather on our roads and bridges.

“The nation’s governors have already identified the national transportation system as a top priority for investment. It truly is the lifeblood of our economy for Connecticut and across the country,” Governor Rell said. “The jobs these investments will create will help us rebuild both our highway and rail systems and our economy.”