The busway boondoggle has been stalled

Waterbury, CT – State Senator Joe Markley (R-Southington) along with Representatives Selim Noujaim (R-Waterbury) and Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) announced Wednesday night at the Rotella School in Waterbury that the busway project has hit a snag.

Senator Joe Markley R-Southington, handing a block the busway petition to a resident who attended the Waterbury meeting.

“The good news for taxpayers is this boondoggle has been stalled,” said Senator Joe Markley. “At nearly a thousand dollars an inch, this is the most preposterous waste of state money I have ever seen.”

The 9 mile busway route from New Britain to Hartford will cost $573 million dollars – that’s more than $60 million a mile.

“As a result of our petitioning the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, serious inquiry will be made into the impact of the busway on the streams and wetlands along the route,” said Senator Markley. “Several meetings and a site visit will be held in preparation for a formal hearing in October. We expect to make a strong case against construction when the time comes.”

During the meeting, Mike Nicastro, President of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce, presented a detailed argument against the busway. Nicastro told the audience half of the proposed route travels through swamp land and cemeteries. “Not exactly prime real estate for economic growth,” Senator Markley added.

Petitions in favor of stopping the busway in its tracks were handed out to the crowd, along with fliers touting an upcoming Department of Transportation meeting in favor of the busway. These lawmakers are encouraging folks to attend the meeting so state officials will know there are taxpayers who are against the plan.

Senator Markley is in contact with Speaker of the House John Boehner about pulling federal funds from the project. For more information go to www.Blockthebus.com