Conn. prowls for TIGER funding

The state of Connecticut applied for $86 million in federal stimulus funding to support transportation projects in Fairfield County, including $21 million for a “jitney” minibus shuttle system in Stamford.

The state would funnel the cash into the Complete Streets and Transit Access project in Stamford”™s South End, which would carve out routes for a shuttle system on Washington Boulevard, Pacific Street, Atlantic Street, Market Street and Canal Street.

Norwalk-based Building and Land Technology L.L.C. is developing Harbor Point in the South End, a mix of commercial and residential buildings and adjoining open space.

“This is a significant project that that has countless economic and social benefits to the state, the city and the region,” said Gov. M. Jodi Rell. “An efficient transit system serving one of the busiest rail hubs in the region would be a tremendous draw for both businesses and residents and would alleviate the daily highway congestion.”

Connecticut is applying for the funding under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, and expects to hear by February 2010 whether it will receive TIGER moneys.

The state is also seeking TIGER funding for:

• Georgetown Land Development Co.”™s transit-oriented redevelopment of the former Gilbert & Bennett industrial property in Redding ($28 million);
• reconstruction of the Moses Wheeler Bridge on Interstate 95 spanning the Housatonic River at Stratford and Milford ($37 million);
• construction of the Q Bridge on I-95 in New Haven ($50 million); and
• freight rail projects for the Branford Steam Railroad; Connecticut Southern Railroad and New England Central Railroad; Valley Railroad; Naugatuck Railroad; Providence & Worcester Railroad; and Housatonic Railroad ($109 million).