DeLauro, Larson, Shuster And Esty Highlight Importance Of Infrastructure Investment
Hartford, CT – July 21, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) hosted Rep. Bill Shuster (PA-09), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in Connecticut’s First District to highlight the need for investment in the area’s bridges, roads, and transit systems. They began the day at Coltsville for an overview of the eroding dykes and levies along the Connecticut River before traveling to Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford to address access and egress to the expanding campus. Finally, they concluded at Union Station for a brief discussion and press conference on high speed rail and long-term infrastructure.
“It is always a pleasure to bring Chairman Shuster to the District,” said Larson. He understands that states and communities need a reliable partner in the federal government to make crucial repairs on our roads and put America back to work. With Coltsville’s new designation as a National Historical Park and the recent groundbreakings on three new major facilities at UTC and Pratt & Whitney, there are many exciting developments in the area that call for new investments in infrastructure. Today, we demonstrated that there is a strong bipartisan will to pass a long-term transportation bill that is necessary to support our communities, improve public safety, and spur job creation.”
“Helping maintain and improve our nation’s infrastructure is a key federal responsibility, done in partnership with state and local governments and the private sector,” said Shuster. “Today’s events clearly demonstrated the importance of responsibly investing in this infrastructure, and I appreciate Congressman Larson for inviting my colleagues from Connecticut and me for a firsthand look at some of the region’s transportation needs.”
“This country’s infrastructure woes do not stop with rail and highways,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). “They extend to ports, aviation, electricity wires, and telephone and broadband lines. Existing funding at the federal, state, and local level already lags way behind this massive and increasingly urgent need. If we are going to get back on track, we must stop applying Band-Aid after Band-Aid and start thinking creatively about how to fund the required investment in a sustainable, long-term way. I was proud to join Congressman Larson, in welcoming Chairman Shuster back to Connecticut to discuss this critical issue for Connecticut and our nation.”
“According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 73 percent of Connecticut roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Thirty-five percent of Connecticut’s bridges are structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, or both. A great nation does not respond to crises with duct tape; a great nation leads with bold action,” said Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5). “The time to act is now. I thank Chairman Shuster for taking time today to visit our state to discuss these urgent issues. As a member of the Transportation Committee, I will continue to call on House leadership to work with us to pass a long-term highway bill this year and invest in America’s infrastructure.”
