Conn. lawmaker praises governor's choice for transportation finance panel chair

Connecticut Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) commended Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s choice to make former New Haven state Rep. Cameron Staples the chair of the governor’s transportation finance panel on Wednesday.

Staples is a former co-chair of the general assembly’s finance revenue and bonding committee. He will lead the nonpartisan working group that is comprised of experts in finance, transportation and economic development. Staples succeeded Looney in 1993 as state representative for the 96th district, and currently serves as president and CEO of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

“With his wealth of legislative, policy and budget-writing experience, Cam Staples is the right choice to lead the Governor’s Transportation Finance Panel,” Looney said. “Cam will play a critical role in executing Gov. Malloy’s plans for a 21st century transportation system.”

The panel will begin meeting in April and is expected to conclude by the end of the summer. It will analyze and recommend options the state can use to fund a transformation of Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure over the next 30 years.

Earlier this year, Malloy launched transportation plans with a five-year ramp up that utilizes $10 billion capital in funding and spearheads a 30-year vision utilizing $100 billion in funding.