Above: A the planned transitway would stretch from Jefferson Street in the South End to East Main Street.
This just in: The Urban Transitway has scored another $1 million in federal funding. This comes on the heels of an announcement that the city has secured a $16 million award from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the second phase of the transitway.
Meanwhile, the project is still in limbo because of a recent Board of Finance vote against releasing funds to complete the first phase of the project. Last night, Board of Representatives Land Use Committee chair Harry Day, R-13, expressed his disbelief at the Board of Finance decision, asking if anyone could explain to him how the BOF actions are “logical.”
Himes, Finch, Pavia Announce Funding for Local Transportation Projects
Congress Street Bridge and Stamford Urban Transitway receive appropriationsWashington, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), Stamford Mayor Mike Pavia, and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch announced today that the U.S. House Appropriations Committee has approved $1 million for completion of the Stamford Urban Transitway and $450,000 for the construction of Bridgeport’s Congress Street Bridge.
“Even in tough economic times, investing in our local infrastructure is absolutely critical,” said Himes. “Both of these projects improve access to the cities’ downtowns, which will help local businesses thrive and create jobs.”
The Stamford Urban Transitway is the centerpiece of Stamford’s effort to connect the Stamford Transportation Center with its Amtrak, regional rail, and commuter bus facilities. Himes and Pavia recently announced a $16 million grant for the second phase of the Stamford Urban Transitway. Along with local funding, this $1 million is likely to provide the necessary funds to complete the project.
“Congressman Himes’ critical leadership in securing what we see as the final dollars to complete the Stamford Urban Transitway strengthens the future of Stamford’s economic growth,” said Pavia. “The Transitway is a key component of Stamford’s expanding transit-oriented development.”
Once completed, the Transitway will increase access to public transportation, improve deteriorated air quality, and open the south waterfront to a $4 billion brownfields revitalization and mixed-use redevelopment now underway. The Transitway will connect several regional transportation facilities with bus, high occupancy vehicle, vehicle, and bicycle and pedestrian lanes. Improvements will also be made to sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and surrounding roads.