Transportation investments will ensure success

Seven years ago, when Charter Communications was searching for a new home, Connecticut stood out. The state was immediately attractive because it offers ready access to world-class talent, a reasonable cost of living, and access to vibrant cultural and educational institutions. We were also drawn to Connecticut because it fosters an environment that is conducive to business. At Charter, we are proud to call Connecticut our home.

As the nation’s fastest growing TV, internet, and voice company, we have a deep appreciation for the importance of investing in, maintaining, and constantly upgrading the infrastructure underlying our services. Our commitment to offering the best communications and entertainment services has manifested itself in $32 billion in capital expenditures in our broadband network infrastructure and technology since 2014.

Our company has also made similarly robust investments in human capital. Since relocating to Stamford, Charter has grown significantly, resulting in a series of major workforce expansions here in Connecticut. When we first moved here in 2012, Charter had fewer than 50 employees. Today, we employ about 1,200 people in Stamford with the potential to more than double that amount in the next few years.

Charter is deepening its commitment to the state by investing $400 million to build a new corporate headquarters in Stamford. We selected the site largely because of its proximity to the Stamford Transportation Center, which provides our employees with more convenient commuting options. We expect this location to provide Charter with a competitive advantage as we look to further expand our workforce in the future.

These significant investments illustrate Charter’s commitment to Connecticut’s longterm economic growth and success. For this reason, we strongly support policies that hasten improvements to the state’s transportation infrastructure, like the Stamford transit hub, upon which all businesses in the state rely.

Recently, the state has embarked upon a series of planned infrastructure upgrades near the Stamford Transportation Center including a new large-scale parking facility that will enhance this critical component of the region’s mass transit network. We believe that Gov. Ned Lamont’s new policy initiatives, which aim to create a predictable and sustainable funding stream for additional enhancements across all modes of transportation, will further improve the state’s business climate. Modernizing the state’s roads, bridges, and railways will enable goods to flow more efficiently, services to be provided more promptly, and commuters and drivers to confront less congestion.

We have long been optimistic about our corporate future in Connecticut. The governor’s new transportation proposals will only add to what is already a great business environment.