Mobility in Fairfield County is directly related to the area’s economic vitality and quality of life.  Our transportation system is so vital that its sudden incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on our defense and economic security. 

As traffic congestion increases on the state’s principal access to the global marketplaces, the I-95 corridor, this corridor will be unable to offer the level of access to economic activities necessary to support Connecticut’s institutions, businesses, and people.  Today, major arterials through out the County experience gridlock conditions on a daily basis.  Rail commuters have been plagued with unreliable rail service as a result of an aging rail fleet and infrastructure.  These factors have been known for some time, yet adequate financing to address these problems have not been forthcoming. 

The results of the state’s continued failure to properly invest in its transportation infrastructure have put Connecticut in danger of becoming a giant cul de sac in the global network.  The Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board has identified an additional $5 billion of transportation needs not currently funded.  If Connecticut is to develop a world-class transportation system and maintain its competitive position, it must take on a greater share in transportation operating and capital investments.

Fairfield County communities cannot solve this problem alone.  The support of the Connecticut General Assembly is needed.  Protection of this critical infrastructure requires an immediate as well as long term investment by the Connecticut General Assembly.