Jobs For Connecticut Now

From the Hartford Courant: After years of criticism that the state lacks a cohesive economic plan, Gov. M. Jodi Rell today released what she called “the state’s first-ever Economic Strategic Plan.”

The plan calls for a statewide port authority comprising the harbors in Bridgeport, New Haven and New London, along with the state’s airports, including Bradley International Airport.

It also calls for development of a commuter rail line between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield, with a spur to Bradley. A commuter line along I-91 has long been debated but would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and would face uncertain ridership.

… Critics of the state’s economic development policies, most prominently and consistently University of Connecticut economics professor Fred V. Carstensen, have long said Connecticut does not do enough to nurture targeted industries, and to educate and retain present and future workers.

The full document can be viewed at: www.ct.gov/ecd