A coalition of transportation advocates met August 19 to call on gubernatorial candidates to hold a debate on Connecticut’s transportation issues. The coalition, consisting of 35 organizations throughout the state, also urged candidates to advance transportation projects that have already secured funding, ensure that revenue in the state’s Special Transportation Fund is protected from diversions, make long-range decisions on which transportation projects are chosen for funding, and anticipate further reductions in federal investment from the Federal Highway Fund. They encouraged candidates to consider funding options in order to meet Connecticut’s transportation needs.

The coalition represents organizations from environmental, economic, regional and construction groups throughout the region. Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, noted the diverse presence as a sign of Connecticut’s interest in advancing transportation funding.

Incumbent candidate Daniel Malloy (D) and his opponent, Tom Foley (R), have both stated that they are against raising the state gas tax. Both have also expressed resistance to instituting tolls in order to raise funds for transportation projects.

To read the coalition’s 2014 Candidate Bulletin, click here. See below for a full list of coalition members.

 

-Transit for Connecticut
– Tri State Transportation Campaign
– Connecticut Fund for the Environment
– Regional Plan Association
– CT Association for Community Transportation
– CT League of Conservation Voters
– Capitol Region Council of Governments
– Connecticut Construction Industries Association
– Stamford Chamber of Commerce
– Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce
– CT Environmental & Utilities Contractors Association
– Connecticut Road Builders Association
– Connecticut Ready Mixed Concrete Association
– Connecticut Asphalt & Aggregate Producers Association
– Connecticut Conference of Municipalities
– Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers
– New England Region Council of Carpenters
– International Union of Operation Engineers Local 478
– Bike Walk Connecticut
– American Council of Engineering Companies of Connecticut
– Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency
– Bridgeport Regional Business Council
– Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce
– Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce
– League of Women Voters of Connecticut
– The Business Council of Fairfield County
– Connecticut Citizens’ Transportation Lobby
– Greater Bridgeport Regional Council
– Associated General Contractors of Connecticut
– Connecticut Subcontractors Association
– Windham Region Council of Governments
– Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce
– New Neighborhoods, Inc.
– Ironworkers Local 15
– Southeastern CT Council of Governments