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"It is our intention to trade-in the $160 million in federal funds and use
a portion of these funds to construct the southerly route as well as for other
transportation improvement projects in the affected communities," and "we
are in contact with Federal Highway officials to provide us with assurances
that the turn back funds will be available for the additional highway recon-
struction and widening which are planned for these communities," Powers
said.
Powers made it clear that he is committing the Department to begin
work immediately with the area towns to develop a package of local road
improvements "that-will ease the traffic burden on the streets, provide a
better flow of traffic which reduces pollution and will contribute to the well-being
of these communities. As a former mayor, I can well understand the concern
of these officials over the impact of the highway. They have my word. We
will work jointly with them in developing a mutually acceptable and workable
action plan. "
Some of these include Cedar Street and other local roads in Newington,
where provisions will also be made to provide some type of connection from
Fenn Road to the expressway; Route 6 and other improvments to relieve the
Route 4 and 10 intersection in Farmington, New Britain streets including better
access to -the industrial park on John Downey Drive. Service will be provided
between the expressway and Christian Lane in Berlin with new ramps.
"While we are moving ahead on this vital highway project," stated
Powers, "we want this highway to serve as part of our overall transportation
plan that will focus on mass transit. We plan on building carpool commuter
lots at key areas alongside the expressway, which will also allow us to provide
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