Already Shovel-Ready?
GROTON, Conn. - Frustration took center stage at a forum on infrastructure and transportation at the Groton Municipal Building Auditorium on Wednesday night, Feb. 18.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney led a panel of four experts in a discussion that was supposed to focus on the allocation of the $487.5 million of economic stimulus money headed in March for Connecticut shovel-ready projects, which are defined as those ready to break ground in 180 days. It began at 6 p.m. with more than 150 people in attendance.
“This graphically demonstrates that what we’re experiencing right now is not a normal business cycle in any economic definition,” Courtney began, pointing to a chart that compared the current state job losses to those of previous recessions in 2001 and 1991. “The steps that I believe need to take place to get this downward spiral to turn around are going to require extraordinary measures.”
Courtney described the idea behind the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), specifically as it relates to infrastructure and transportation, as being a way for the federal government to promote projects that “will get people out there working again.” The $787 billion ARRA, signed into law Tuesday, Feb. 17 by President Barack Obama, is expected to save or create an estimated 41,000 jobs across Connecticut and help lessen the state’s current 7.1 percent unemployment rate.
But the audience seemed skeptical throughout Courtney’s presentation and those of the other panelists, State Rep. Ed Jutila, President of the Connecticut Construction Industry Association Don Shubert and Jim Butler of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG). Many found it frustrating that southeastern Connecticut is expected to only receive $5.3 million, or about one percent of the state’s overall transportation and infrastructure funding.
Once the panel’s presentations concluded, there was a Q & A session that reflected the audience’s skepticism. Most questions came in somewhat accusatory fashion and tension between the audience and the panel escalated quickly, with Butler, serving as moderator, having to frequently step in and control the peace.
“My question was danced around and never answered,” said Frank Jennette of Groton, who asked about bonding issues and legislation to protect and assist local minority contractors. “I’m tired of the double talk. I want some answers.”
The tension persisted when Butler adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m., as many audience members had expected it to run much longer and allow more time for discussion.
“It was a good but short,” Bob Dantzler of Montville said afterward. “I wish they’d given us a chance to ask all of our questions.”
Courtney stayed for an hour after the forum’s conclusion to individually address people who had formed a line more than 30 long. Jennette later admitted that this helped ease some of his concerns.
Still, the night ended with little discussion of the exact process by which local and state officials will determine what projects merit stimulus funding.
“In an ideal world, you’d have more measured criteria to help make these decisions,” Courtney said following the forum. “Some of the guys that have been around a while are not happy about conceding all this discretion to the governors.”
Asked about whether the focus on shovel-ready projects would mean the exclusion of other, more progressive projects still in their infancy, Courtney conceded.
“This is a crisis-driven proposal that affects its ability to look long-term,” he said. “But I don’t think this boost is going to be the final word in transportation.”
When asked a similar question about the list of 11 local proposals his council approved earlier in the day, Butler responded, “The SCCOG does believe these are all eligible and worthy projects.” But, he added, there are many projects that perhaps should be looked at that are just too far away from starting to consider, such as a $45 million plan for a new Route 2A bridge.
The forum on Feb. 18 was one of a series of five such meetings Courtney is holding around the state. The first took place in Storrs on Monday, Feb. 16 on education, one was scheduled as of press time for Norwich on Thursday, Feb. 19 on healthcare, and one in Westbrook on Saturday, Feb. 21 about alternative energy. A forum is also scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28 in Enfield on small business.
This article ran in the Groton Times and can be found online here: http://zip06.theday.com/blogs/groton_times/archive/2009/02/26/infrastructure-and-transportation-forum-held-feb-18.aspx
