Markley, Betts urge Boehner to Block Busway Boondoggle

Hartford, CT – Senator Joe Markley (R-16) and Representative Whit Betts (R-78) have co-signed a letter written to House Speaker John Boehner. The legislators are urging the House Speaker to reject $460 million in federal funding for a Connecticut busway project linking New Britain to Hartford.

In their letter the lawmakers write:

“In our opinion, the decision to allocate federal funds to this busway project would be a huge waste of taxpayer’s money, To fast track such spending when we face enormous state and federal deficits seems ludicrous—it’s the kind of decision that makes folks cynical about politicians. There is no popular support for the project: the average person understands that it makes no sense, even in flush times. Given the hole we are in now, it should not be considered. We urge you to help us stop this project.”

The proposed busway is a rapid transit busway from New Britain to Hartford. The project spans 9.4 miles. The state Department of Transportation estimates that the cost will be more than $573 million. That works out to be more than $60 million per mile, or $952 per inch.

“This is a boondoggle and a waste of taxpayer dollars,” said Representative Betts. “In the end the annual cost to the state is expected to be $11 million, ticket sales estimates are $4 million leaving a $7 million hole. I am against spending state money for a transportation project that is expected to incur losses. ”

Connecticut has already spent $23 million for design, planning, and site acquisitions. In addition, Governor Malloy and the Bond Commission recently authorized the issuance of another $90 million in bonding to pay the state’s share of the total cost for the busway.

Governor Malloy claimed the decision will create “new jobs” and would “maximize the availability of federal funding now and going forward.”

“I am not concerned about leaving federal funds on the table. Federal or state, it’s all our money, and we shouldn’t waste it. Projects like this shouldn’t even be entertained until we get our fiscal house in order,” remarked Senator Markley. “I find it ironic that we are in the midst of a $6.2 billion deficit and the Governor is asking the legislature to spend more money we don’t have.”

In closing out their letter, both Senator Markley and Representative Betts wrote:

“We write to urge you to do all in your power to stop the federal funding, thus eliminating this irresistible temptation to our big-spending local politicians.”

Senator Joe Markley represents the towns of Southington, Cheshire, Waterbury and Wolcott. Representative Whit Betts represents the towns of Wolcott and Bristol.