Governor Rell: Stimulus Infrastructure Projects Should Be 25 Percent ‘Green’
March 10, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she is adding a requirement that state infrastructure projects funded with incoming federal stimulus money contain a 25 percent ‘green’ component, a stipulation that goes beyond federal mandates and is designed to bolster Connecticut’s emerging green collar workforce and while conserving energy and resources.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to not only put people back to work but to build on the progress we have already made to build a green collar workforce and protect our environment,” Governor Rell said. “Connecticut is a proven leader in green technology and renewable energy and it makes perfect sense to position our state for future growth at the same time we rebuild our economy.”
The green component in projects can range from using recycled material for paving highways to energy efficient materials in new construction. Governor Rell’s Administration, in January, developed comprehensive guidelines to comply with a recently enacted green buildings law. Last month, the Governor issued an executive order that establishes a blueprint to train and develop a green collar workforce.
“Many, if not all, of our green building regulations, can serve as guideposts for stimulus infrastructure projects,” Governor Rell said. “Each green project we undertake builds and strengthens our green collar workforce.”
Connecticut will receive approximately $3 billion under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Of that $1.65 billion will be in direct aid and $1.3 billion in Medicaid assistance. The federal government is providing nearly $450 million for a variety of infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, transit projects and rail modernization in Connecticut.
The Governor has formed a broad-based working group of municipal officials, business leaders, legislators and state agency chiefs to determine the final, prioritized list of infrastructure or “shovel-ready” projects to be funded through the federal stimulus package. Since December, the state has received nearly 2,000 project ideas from more than 230 entities, including state agencies and cities and towns.
For more information on federal stimulus funds and projects in Connecticut: www.recovery.ct.gov
Contact: 860-524-7313
