Hartford, CT – Connecticut Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo today slammed John McKinney for making false claims about Governor Malloy’s record on investments for transportation infrastructure. In a continuing pattern, the Republican gubernatorial candidates are trying to get elected by once again clinging to distortions about the past.

“John McKinney is trying to go full speed ahead with false claims, utter distortions, and revisionist history – all right out of the same old, failed Republican playbook. But unfortunately, he can’t seem to get out of the station, because he is trying to get traction by premising his campaign on lies. Since he barely reached the 15 percent threshold at the GOP convention and he’s struggling to raise money, he must be in a bad mood. But that doesn’t give him license to put out falsehoods about the Governor’s record,” said Democratic Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo. “Like Tom Foley and Mark Boughton, John McKinney is trying to dupe the electorate – be it on infrastructure, rail, taxes, and everything in between. That’s exactly why Connecticut voters can’t trust the Republican candidates.”

Background:

Malloy “Proposed A State Transportation Budget For 2015 That Represents A 165 Percent Increase In Funding Compared To 2010 Levels And Includes About $1.4 Billion To Fund The Largest Transportation Capital Program In Connecticut’s History.” “Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by Deputy Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner Anna M. Barry, today highlighted $11.9 million on the Bond Commission’s upcoming agenda to fund the state’s annual maintenance and road resurfacing program, which – combined with $57 million in previously approved funding – will repave and repair 264 miles of primary roads around the state following an especially harsh 2013-14 winter season that included record-breaking cold temperatures and 12 snow and ice storms.  The various resurfacing projects are expected to create or retain more than 1,900 construction-related jobs. […]Earlier this year, Governor Malloy proposed a state transportation budget for 2015 that represents a 165 percent increase in funding compared to 2010 levels and includes about $1.4 billion to fund the largest transportation capital program in Connecticut’s history.  The Governor’s 2015 transportation budget also restores the dedication of the State Transportation Fund solely for transportation purposes.” [Press Release, Office of Governor Dannel Malloy, 5/14/14]

In FY2014, ConnDOT Received $1.8 Billion For All Transportation Modes, After Receiving $1.4 Billion In 2013.  “Earlier this year, Governor Malloy proposed a state transportation budget for 2015 that represents a 165 percent increase in funding compared to 2010 levels and includes about $1.4 billion to fund the largest transportation capital program in Connecticut’s history. The Governor’s 2015 transportation budget also restores the dedication of the State Transportation Fund solely for transportation purposes. The Governor also noted that his budget – now being considered by the General Assembly – calls for the hiring of 75 ConnDOT engineers to move projects through the design and bid process more quickly. […] ConnDOT anticipates the availability of approximately $1.8 billion in the total Capital Program funding in Federal Fiscal Year 2014 for all transportation modes. This amount includes approximately $345 million for bus and rail assets and $1.4 billion available for highway and bridge infrastructure. In its 2013 Capital Program, ConnDOT committed approximately $1.6 billion for all transportation modes – road and bridge, railroad and bus and other public transit. The 2.7-mile I-84 widening project will add a third lane in each direction through Waterbury and is one of dozens of projects in ConnDOT’s five-year capital plan. Other major projects include: Replacement of the I-84 Hartford viaduct, Q Bridge replacement (I-95 New Haven), Moses Wheeler Bridge replacement (I-95 Stratford), Putnam Bridge rehabilitation (Route 3 Glastonbury), Rehabilitation of Merritt Parkway in Stamford, Operational improvements on I-95 in Norwalk.” [Press Release, Office of Governor Dannel Malloy, 4/15/14]

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