ACEC/CT Update

Fuel Tax Holiday

The Congressional Research Service has issued a nonpartisan report on the impact of suspending the federal fuel tax as a way of providing releif to consumers facing record gas prices.

They note that it is unlikely that consumers will see the reduction at the pump. It hasn't worked when it's been tried at the state level. The impact will be most negative on the necessary transportation infrastructure projects that will be delayed because the fuel tax funds the federal transportation trust fund. The fund is already facing a negative balance next fiscal year.

The trust fund would then be a likely target for more good causes in the future. We need a reliable source of income for transportation and other infrastructure projects. As we have seen when the authorization bill for transportation projects has been delayed in Congress, Connecticut projects are delayed and costs increase.

A gas tax holiday is a bad idea. Politicians should resist the temptation to sacrifice our infrastructure for an ineffective political gesture.

The Engineers Guide to Cats

YouTube Video. Click here.

Structural Issues Investigated in Norwich Fire

Investigators are looking at the design of "fire walls" within the Peachtree Apartments which were destroyed in a huge fire in Norwich last weekend. See article. Check out the photo of the fire progressing along the roof of the complex. From the story, it would seem that the building had a pitched roof added after the original constuction.

Traffic Safety

In an opinion article, the Hartford Courant raises the issue of 42,000 American deaths per year in traffic accidents. Sweeden has set a goal of zero traffic deaths by 2020. It may not reach that goal but is working to meet the goal.

As part of that program Volvo has announced a program to produce an injury-free car by 2020.

As part of reauthorizing the surface transportation bill, Congress will begin discussing the next SAEFTE-LU legislation. Reducing traffic fatalities and injuries is one of the state goals. But how much will we as a nation pay to reduce traffic deaths?

State Budget Deficit

The slowing economy is impacting Connecticut state programs. With only days left in the regular session of the General Assembly, Governor Rell and legislative leaders are facing a state budget which started the year with a healthy surplus but has deteriorated into a small but significant deficit.

Republican legislators have suggested an early retirement program for state employees but the Governor is reluctant to go that route. Past early retirements at ConnDOT and other agencies have left the state with fewer and less experienced managers and resulted in problems.

Governor Rell may be forced to veto "three strikes" legislation she previously called for because of the price tag.

Unfortunately, the state's fiscal woes may increase chances for passage of a state false claims act. The fiscal note shows a net income to the state. The legislation died in the Judiciary Committee but has been raised again as an amendment to another bill.

On a brighter note, the fiscal crisis has quashed talk of a state fuel tax holiday which would have cut off funding for important transportation project.

New DOT Commissioner Named

Governor Rell has announced that she is nominating Joseph Marie to be the new Commissioner of Transportation. Marie is currently the director of operations and maintenace for METRO, the Phoenix regional mass transit organization. The nomination must be approved by the General Assembly.

Rail Facility Problems Could Impact Other Projects

The public finger-pointing over the budget for the New Haven rail maintenance facility could stall other state transportation and public works projects, according to the co-chairs of the General Assembly's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. (See article.)

Is There a "Big Dig" in Hartford's Future

Activists in Hartford want the DOT to do someting other than rebuild the "Aetna Viaduct" in Hartford. The elevated section of I-84 will need to be rebuilt sometime in the future and they are looking at burying it, re-routing it or turning I-84 into a boulevard. (See article.)

It’s easy to criticize the highway now. The original plans were to have a ring road carry most of the traffic away from the downtown. That’s why a full interchange was not built for the intersection of I-84 and I-91 in downtown Hartford until much later. But suburban voters blocked the ring road and now everyone drives through the city.

But, as usual, the real issue will be money. Rebuilding the elevated highway will be expensive. Burying it will increase the project costs by an order of magnitude. Our current funding sources are inadequate. Federal dollars are uncertain. Connecticut will have to look at new ways to fund transportation projects: electronic tolling, public-private partnerships, etc.

Editorial for Increased DEP Funding

The Hartford Courant has an editorial recommending increased funding for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (click here).

The DEP has suffered like the DOT from the twin maladies of inadequate funding and staff attrition. It's about time that both agencies get needed attention. Failures of these agencies have hurt public safety and damage the economic competitveness of the state.

State Bond Commission: $75 million for Transportation

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to approve $75 million for transportation projects, including $30 million for roads and $45 million for bridges. The amounts include money for design.