|
|
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
|
M. Jodi Rell
Governor |
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2009
|
Contact:
860-524-7313
|
Governor Rell Invites Municipal, Business Leaders, Legislators to Join Panel Sorting ‘Shovel-Ready’ List
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she is forming a broad-based working group of municipal officials, business leaders, legislators and state agency chiefs to determine the final, prioritized list of “shovel-ready” projects to be funded through the anticipated federal stimulus package.
“My priority right now is to use the money we know is coming to keep and create jobs in our state – and it’s a goal I know is shared by people all over Connecticut, because in recent weeks we have received more than more than 200 lists recommending more than 2,000 different projects to be funded with stimulus money,” Governor Rell said. “The task before us now is to identify the projects that will do the most to get people back to work, get our economy moving again and position us for success when the national business climate improves.
“This is a tremendous opportunity – a chance not only to help people in the near term but to literally shape the face of our state for many years to come,” the Governor said. “The recommendations range from ‘traditional’ infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and school buildings to 21st century needs such as greater broadband access, clean energy and energy efficiency improvements and electronic medical records. Not everything can be done – but those projects that are funded should give our economy a shot in the arm and help build a better state for everyone.”
Governor Rell has sent invitations to participate in the working group to the four legislative caucuses, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the Conference of Small Towns and the Connecticut Construction and Industry Association.
The Governor has also directed the state departments of Transportation, Economic and Community Development, Public Works and Labor to participate, as well as the Office of Policy and Management and the Office of Workforce Competitiveness. A representative from the Governor’s office will join the panel as well as two designees from the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission.
