State Senator Donald J. DeFronzo
May 5, 2008
DeFronzo Leads Senate in Approving Package of DOT Reforms
Bill contains key provision to help prevent construction project problems
The Connecticut Senate-led by state Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain), chair of the General Assembly's Transportation Committee-gave final action tonight in a unanimous vote by consent to a package of reforms for the state Department of Transportation (DOT).
"This legislation represents a variety of initiatives related to the Department of Transportation," Senator DeFronzo. "From traffic violation penalties to harbor improvement, it addresses many of the needs that the administration and the Transportation Committee have defined within the agency."
Senator DeFronzo added, "Of particular note is the provision that now requires an end of project certification for all completed DOT highway and bridge projects. This certification stems from the hearings the Transportation Committee held in the wake of the botched Interstate 84 construction project and will help to ensure that key department officials assigned to oversee massive highway and bridge construction certify that the work was done in accordance with standards."
Specifically, the legislation:
- Establishes an enhanced penalty for certain traffic violations that occur in traffic incident management zones and defines these zones;
- Authorizes the DOT to enter temporary leases for use of the State Pier or other navigation property DOT owns or controls;
- Authorizes the DOT commissioner to initiate harbor improvement projects on behalf of the state, creates a special account to fund the projects and removes the limits on state grants-in-aid to municipalities for harbor improvements;
- Requires certain key individuals involved in a completed highway or bridge project to certify in writing that it has been constructed in substantial compliance to the project's plans and specifications;
- Makes several changes relating to bicyclist safety and funding bicycle and pedestrian access projects;
- Makes the DOT commissioner responsible for notifying municipalities about certain issues related to rail crossings;
- Exempts buildings DOT acquires-but does not use for office space from indoor air quality protocols;
- Expands exemptions from certain state laws for tow trucks that are towing disabled trucks from the highway;
- Exempts vehicles operated by or through a community-based regional transportation system from regulation as livery motor vehicles; and
- Authorizes DOT to permit temporary signs, displays or other devices along state highways if they remain in place for 60 days or less.
The measure-House Bill 5746-now moves to the governor for consideration. The 2008 regular legislative session adjourns on May 7.
|
Senator DeFronzo’s |
Listing of Senator DeFronzo’s recent press releases and a Press Kit with official head shots and bio. |
Press Aide Jaclyn Falkowski |
