Connecticut Based Businesses Throw Support Behind Transportation & Climate Initiative at Hartford Press Conference
HARTFORD, CT – May 12, 2021 – During a press conference at a Noble Gas Station, Connecticut entrepreneurs and the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut joined State Senator Will Haskell in support of the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) and its accompanying legislative package (SB-884). The business leaders declared that the TCI program will be good for the Connecticut economy; creating jobs, improving transportation infrastructure, and bringing local economic development to the Nutmeg State.
Today’s event speakers, include Senator Will Haskell, Chair of the Transportation Committee; Michael Frisbie, the owner of Noble gas stations in Connecticut; Paul Vosper, President & CEO of JuiceBar (Electrical Vehicle charging business); and Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Connecticut Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. The speakers highlighted the economic benefits of the TCI program. For instance, TCI will position CT at the forefront of technological innovation and give the state a competitive edge.
Senator Christine Cohen said: “As the Chair of the Environment Committee and as a business owner myself, I am confident that TCI is a unique opportunity to boost the economic development of our state. It will create innovation, jobs, and opportunities for all.”
Senator Will Haskell, Chair of the Transportation Committee said: “There’s a reason the business community supports this legislation – it aims to transform transportation opportunities statewide, encouraging investments and creating jobs in a green economy. Businesses stand to benefit from transitioning our infrastructure to the 21st century, and I’m proud to stand with them.”
TCI is expected to generate up to $89 million in annual investment for Connecticut in the program’s first year, and as much as $117 million by 2032.
“The EV charging stations bring new customers to our high-end Noble facilities,” said Michael Frisbie, who recently installed an electric vehicle charging station at his Downtown Hartford Noble Gas Station. “Not only that, but they stay longer and spend more money. EVs are the future of transportation and I want to help build the infrastructure for them at our new locations throughout the state of Connecticut!”
Paul Vosper, president & CEO of JuiceBar EV Charging, said: “Last year Governor Lamont laid out a comprehensive and ambitious EV roadmap for Connecticut. The TCI program is a smart approach to bring that vision into reality. The funding that TCI program generates will help ensure that Connecticut is on the forefront of the transition to a modern and clean transportation system fit for the 21st Century. With its strong base of advanced manufacturing expertise, Connecticut will benefit from the enormous economic growth that come from these opportunities, bringing well-paid jobs to the state in advanced manufacturing and electrical and software engineering.”
TCI will unlock economic development opportunities, promote green job creation and support business and supply chain industries. TCI investment can be used to expand and improve public transit, ease traffic and congestion, increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and transition buses and trucks to electric to reduce emissions.
“The Chamber fully supports TCI,” said Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. “It will bring much needed investment and will help connect goods, people, and services throughout the state in a more sustainable and efficient way.”
Siemens USA, with operations in Cromwell, CT, also showcased its support saying: “As the transportation sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, Siemens is committed to investing in clean vehicle solutions across our operations,” said Ryan Dalton, Director of External affairs, Siemens USA. “That’s also why we support the Transportation and Climate Initiative, which will help build a more equitable, clean transportation system while also bringing new jobs and economic growth to the region.”
In addition to the strong support of the Connecticut business community, recent polling found that nearly 7 in 10 Connecticut voters support the program as a way to grow good-paying jobs and rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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