Federal legislators announced funding under the new federal infrastructure law to benefit airports across the state, including the Groton-New London Airport, and for roads and bridges.

Connecticut will see more than $665 million in highway funding and almost $12.5 million for airports this fiscal year under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for projects, with additional funding expected over a five-year period, according to news releases.

“This first round of funding will significantly improve Connecticut’s roads and bridges, reducing congestion, cutting costs for drivers, and creating and sustaining quality jobs across our state," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, said the prior federal transportation funding stream, Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, also known as the FAST Act, signed by former President Barack Obama in 2015, had expired on Oct. 1.

The new infrastructure law broadens funding to include items such as airports and investment in broadband also provides certainty in funding projects on the state Department of Transportation's priority list, such as the Haddam Swing Bridge and the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, he said.

State Department of Transportation Director of Communications Kafi Rouse said the state DOT has been planning since August to ensure the DOT is prepared for an influx of federal infrastructure money.

"The infrastructure bill will increase our traditional base funding programs, providing us with an opportunity to go beyond current planned projects and ensure we can put equity, safety, and sustainability at the forefront of our efforts," she said by email. "As required by federal law, the agency's capital planning process will involve the public, the legislature, and the local Metropolitan Planning Organizations in determining which programs and projects advance. As with everything we do, the safety of Connecticut residents, workers, and commuters, is at the center of our efforts."

The Gold Star Bridge is listed as a major project called for under the DOT's existing base capital program, according to a document she provided.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said in a statement that the new law "made the biggest, one-time investment in infrastructure in our nation’s history," and the first round of funding for roads and highways will provide "much-needed upgrades to our infrastructure while also cutting commute times, making traveling safer, and creating lots of good-paying jobs."

Airport funding

The Connecticut Airport Authority Executive Director Kevin A. Dillon said in a statement that the funding, through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Infrastructure grants, represents a "historic investment in Connecticut's airports."

“This is great news for our regional airports in Willimantic, Danielson, and Groton, and for all the local businesses and workers who utilize them," Courtney said in a statement. "Our regional airports are responsible for helping eastern Connecticut businesses from the Quiet Corner to the Shoreline produce millions of dollars in economic output each year, and now funding through our bipartisan infrastructure bill is going to help them grow and become even more efficient — that means increased economic activity, more output, and more jobs."

Courtney said the funding will help local airports begin a list of projects, from "increased runway capacity to overdue tarmac upgrades."

The $295,000 for Groton-New London Airport will help with purchases for new snow-removal equipment, "improving safety and increasing efficiency," according to a release from Courtney.

The funding, including $9,012,737 for Bradley International Airport, will help Bradley with "building capacity for airline growth so we can continue offering service to new nonstop destinations across the country and globe," Dillon added. Bradley is expected to receive $45 million over the five years, according to a release from legislators.

The other funds will "provide for important safety and airfield investments in airports across the state," Dillon added.

In a statement, Blumenthal said the funding will "help to increase flights to destinations around the world while improving safety and security and enhancing the overall customer experience."

Murphy noted in a statement that the money will help airports "increase their capacity, making travel much more convenient."

Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement that Connecticut's share of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will "turbo-charge the ongoing Connecticut Comeback," and the funding for the airport "will accelerate much-needed safety, capacity, and airfield improvements."

Tweed-New Haven will receive $1,031,683 "for incredibly important projects that will help create jobs, enhance safety, protect our environment and improve the overall passenger experience,” Sean Scanlon, executive director of the Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority, said in a statement.

The Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Bridgeport will receive $763,000 to fund "coastal flooding resiliency efforts as well as opportunities to expand safety measures and optimize airport services for new and existing users," according to a statement from Michelle Muoio, the airport's director.

Danbury Municipal and Waterbury-Oxford each will receive $295,000; and Danielson, Hartford-Brainard, Meriden Markham Municipal, Robertson Field and Windham each will receive $159,000, according to the announcement.

According to the news release from legislators, the grant for Bradley specifically will help fund a project to "streamline the current baggage detection system, which inconveniences passengers by forcing them to carry their own checked luggage and constrains available ticket counter space," and "add additional gate and concession space." The federal inspection services facility may potentially be relocated in the future.

The funding also will help with a second project to reconfigure passenger circulation, the release states.

k.drelich@theday.com