Rep. Boucher was able to discuss proposed upgrades to the Norwalk/Danbury railroad line. She provided testimony to the CT Academy for Science and Engineering on the needs of our rail line and the transportation infrastructure of our region.

Rep. Boucher said, “Fairfield County has the greatest number of small businesses in the state and that daily rail commuters within the state have grown and that demand should drive where scarce state dollars are deployed. Our commuters have responded to many requests for feedback and suggestions for rail line upgrades. They would like confirmation that their concerns are taken seriously and that action will be taken to improve their service. Better communication needs to take place between the department and the public. Easy access to jobs and the daily commute is a top issue for the state if we are to remain competitive and grow.”

“I look forward to the recommendations by this group as they did an excellent job synthesizing the challenges to our UCONN Health center and provided sound recommendations for future improvements,” concluded Boucher.

As part of the study process the Academy’s study management team recently conducted several small group focus sessions with ConnDOT staff to gather information about the Department’s current state-of-the-practice relative to asset management principles. This information is being used by study managers to determine which “best practices” from other states are most directly applicable to the Department.

The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering is a nonprofit institution that provides unbiased, expert advice on science- and technology-related issues to Connecticut state government and other institutions.

The academy was founded in 1976, chartered by the Connecticut General Assembly as an organization whose main purpose was to advise state government and industry "in the application of science and engineering to the economic and social welfare." (Special Act No. 76-53).