Lamont’s new CT2030 is a good plan

All other states on the Eastern seaboard take advantage of out-of-state money; it is time we do the same. If the trucks don’t pay, then the residents do.

There is one thing we can all agree on: Connecticut needs a comprehensive infrastructure plan that is fiscally responsible and will improve all forms of public transportation — roads and bridges, trains and buses, airports and ports. In addition, we are interested in creating new jobs, economic growth, and paying off our pension obligations. The question is not whether we need these things, but how we pay for them.

Gov. Ned Lamont’s new CT2030 plan lowers commute times by easing road congestion and upgrading train and bus travel. It makes travel safer by repairing and replacing aged roads and bridges. It also funds regular maintenance of the infrastructure to a consistent state of good repair. By making key commutes across the state safer, faster and quicker, CT2030 has the potential to generate approximately 23,000 new jobs and $38 billion in economic growth.

Most importantly, CT2030 brings a new source of consistent revenue — partially coming from tolls on out-of-state medium and heavy duty trucks — to Connecticut. Doing so, it puts the state’s needs and Connecticut residents’ needs first. By contrast, Republicans originally proposed borrowing 100 percent of the funds. Each dollar that Connecticut borrows costs approximately $4 to $5 to pay back. Because it includes user fees, CT2030 proposes borrowing a smaller portion of the total cost, making it a comprehensive and balanced plan. It allows Connecticut to maintain its $750 million in U.S. Department of Transportation federal grants and qualifies the state for federal low-interest loans.

Republicans also proposed using 60 percent of our recently replenished Rainy Day Fund to cover transportation infrastructure improvements. But maintaining a robust balance in the Rainy Day Fund is essential; otherwise, during an economic downturn or emergency, Connecticut will need drastic increases in taxes and deep cuts to education, municipal support, healthcare, and environmental programs.

CT2030 will preserve a healthy Rainy Day Fund, which enables Connecticut to pay down our pension debt obligation and stabilize the Special Transportation Fund. CT2030 does this with a new revenue stream from user fees on medium and heavy duty trucks only; the lightest in that gross vehicle weight category is 14,001 pounds. Heavy trucks with multiple axles, carrying heavy loads of freight, cause the most wear and tear to our roads. A fully loaded medium or heavy duty truck causes as much wear and tear as 5,000 to 10,000 cars!

Connecticut roads must withstand an estimated 1.7 billion truck miles per year, causing damage for which Connecticut residents currently bear the full burden.

While user fees on all vehicles would have brought in significantly more revenue, at least with CT2030 as now configured, out-of-state truckers will contribute $90 million (50 percent of anticipated $180 million annual user fee revenues) toward infrastructure improvements and repairs including highways and bridges.

Currently Connecticut residents pay 100 percent of the cost of infrastructure maintenance. Every day without tolls is a day we throw away an estimated annual $90 million that could come from out-ofstate sources and could be used to pay for transportation infrastructure. All other states on the Eastern seaboard take advantage of out-of-state money; it is time we do the same. If the trucks don’t pay, then the residents do.

Tolls were originally eliminated because old technology (toll booths) caused long traffic delays and accidents. Today’s technology uses gantries, which do not obstruct the road. Cameras, transponders and automated billing keep traffic flowing.

CT2030 is a well thought-out, fiscally responsible plan that prioritizes safety, speeds commutes and makes Connecticut a more attractive place to live and work. Implementing CT2030 should be a bipartisan vision and top priority.