Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the state's Recovery Working Group unanimously approved nearly $163 million in federal stimulus transportation projects to create jobs on statewide bus and rail projects and enhance pedestrian and bicycle access.

"These statewide projects, both large and small, have one thing in common - they need hard-working men and women of Connecticut to make them a reality," Governor Rell said. "The federal stimulus act is giving us a chance to rebuild our economy and improve the quality of life in our state. I commend members of the Recovery Working Group for their swift decision today to move these projects along and put people back to work."

Governor Rell assembled the Recovery Working Group last month to help identify projects that qualify for federal stimulus money. The panel includes state officials, lawmakers and representatives from municipalities.

Overall, Connecticut will receive about $3 billion under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Approximately $1.65 billion is in direct aid and grants while $1.3 billion is in the form of Medicaid assistance. The federal government estimates the ARRA will create and/or save more than 40,000 jobs in Connecticut.

The projects approved today range from $70 million to replace transit buses statewide to a $300,000 bikeway project in Mansfield. (See list below)

For more information on ARRA projects in Connecticut and the Recovery Working Group: www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.

Approved Shovel-Ready Transit, Enhancement Projects