Malloy Seeks Amendment To Protect State Transportation Upgrade Funds

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- Both Connecticut's governor and transportation commissioner said no to further legislative raids on money designated for badly needed transportation upgrades.

As WCBS-880's Fran Schneidau reported, state lawmakers have delved into money set aside for transportation upgrades to fund other programs for years.

'No more' said Governor Dan Malloy and Transportation Commissioner Jim Redeker, emphasizing the need for bridge, rail, and road repairs.

Commissioner Redeker noted that the governor has put forth his $100-billion, 30 year upgrade plan, and is seeking a constitutional amendment to prevent raids.

"We have a vision that is the collective vision of Connecticut residents and businesses, but the only way that's going to be successful is that we are really serious about funding and guaranteeing the funding goes into those programs," he said.

Redeker said most of the $100-billion in funding will go toward rails in Connecticut. He said the old system has been badly underfunded for decades.