Opinion: Can Biden's infrastructure law build a more equitable Connecticut?

Connecticut’s public transportation system is currently on the brink of a transformative revival, with all signs, literally, pointing to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This legislation allocates approximately $1.3 billion over five years to elevate Connecticut’s public transportation options, marking a 39% increase over 2021 FAST Act formula funding levels. This investment promises to reshape Connecticut’s public transit system, fostering a more connected, sustainable, and equitable community for Connecticut and Hartford residents.

In my hometown of Syracuse, NY, I first heard about the I-81 viaduct project, a plan to redesign the city’s main highway plan, in my high school religion class, “Morality and Social Justice.” When discussing some of the most pressing issues within minority communities in Syracuse, it all came back to how this viaduct has physically and socially broken apart communities and deprived them of basic resources. At the time, the redesign project seemed far-fetched.

Then, almost four years later, as a student at Trinity College, I found myself as an intern in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Central New York office, attending the ground breaking of the I-81 Viaduct Project. That summer I got to dive into President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law where I learned firsthand how our overburdened and underfunded infrastructure systems struggle to meet the needs of visitors and residents alike. With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law focusing on public transit and already impacting cities such as Syracuse, there is a great opportunity for Trinity students, the Hartford community, and future Connecticut residents to benefit from a reimagined transportation network.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s commitment to public transportation is a game-changer for Connecticut’s public transportation commuters, who currently spend an extra 130.4% of their time commuting compared to those who take personal vehicles, with non-White households being 2.1 times more likely to rely on public transportation. In addition, 18.8% of transit vehicles in the state are past their life. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to address these challenges and revolutionize sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans, including the residents of Connecticut.

The law’s impact on Connecticut’s public transit system is threefold: first, it will significantly improve the state’s public transportation infrastructure; second, it will enhance the state’s sustainability efforts; and third, it will contribute to Connecticut’s economic revitalization. By embracing these changes, the state of Connecticut can work together to create a more sustainable and equitable environment, especially in urban areas such as Hartford.

President Biden’s legislation also includes $102 billion to eliminate the Amtrak maintenance backlog, modernize the Northeast Corridor, and bring rail service to areas outside the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. This investment in rail infrastructure can have a significant impact on connectivity to other parts of the state and region, making it easier for residents to travel to and from towns and cities.

Within the Connecticut bus system, The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $8.8 million to four Connecticut school districts for the Clean Bus Program, which will replace diesel buses with zero-emission buses. Additionally, $26.4 million is granted to the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation to modernize CTtransit Stamford Division Depot and purchase battery-electric buses. These improvements will not only ensure continued service reliability and maintain a state of good repair but also improve air quality and advance environmental justice in Stamford, CT. The hope is that other plans can be made to extend throughout the state to further improve other urban areas.

Hartford’s public transit system, specifically, faces numerous challenges, including unreliable schedules, limited routes, and outdated infrastructure. These issues hinder students and residents from fully experiencing the city without relying on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services. The current initiatives of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, however, presents a solution to these problems, offering a chance to revolutionize Hartford’s public transit and elevate the city to new heights. There is, however, more that can be done.

The I-84 Hartford Project, originally considered four alternatives to repair the two miles of deteriorating bridges between the Flatbush Avenue ramps and the I-91 interchange, but the Elevated Highway and Tunnel Alternatives were eliminated due to various issues. The remaining options are the No-Build Alternative and the Lowered Highway Alternative. In 2019, the project expanded into the Greater Hartford Mobility Study, incorporating other transportation needs and related projects in the region. As road repairs began in November 2024, there may be more benefit in considering larger projects like Syracuse’s I-81 Viaduct Project. A project similar to the project taking down I-81 would bring isolated communities together, allowing them to escape food deserts, access easier commuting routes, and even make their quality of life better overall; not having to live underneath a highway.

While the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will undoubtedly bring positive changes to Connecticut’s public transit, there may be some challenges. The transition to new technologies might cause temporary disruptions, and the initial costs of implementing these changes could be high. The long-term benefits, however, such as reduced emissions, improved air quality, and a more reliable and accessible transportation system will hopefully prove to outweigh these challenges.

As the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helps Connecticut and other states improve their public transit systems, it also sets a precedent for future infrastructure investments in Connecticut. Overall, the Act offers a golden opportunity to transform both Connecticut’s and Hartford’s public transit systems. In the long term, reduced emissions, improved air quality, and a more reliable transportation system will contribute to a better quality of life for residents and visitors alike. These changes, when implemented, will benefit anyone who interacts with these cities, especially underserved households, who are more likely to rely on public transportation, and communities currently facing infrastructure issues. This law will provide safer, more accessible commuting options and promote economic growth.

By embracing these changes, Connecticut and the Hartford community can work together to create a more sustainable and equitable urban environment, setting a shining example for other cities across the nation. Together, we can build a brighter future for Connecticut, its residents, and generations to come.

Melina Korfonta is a Senior at Trinity College, majoring in Public Policy & Law.