Andrew David Baklik

The meeting focused on the urgent endorsement of the next phase of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program to secure funding for electric vehicle charger installations along designated alternative fuel corridors. The council discussed the implications of a proposed federal rule change regarding component manufacturing standards and approved resolution 2026-07 to authorize the necessary transportation improvement program amendments.

The meeting included public comments regarding FOI requests and an upcoming awards ceremony for a local bus accident response. The Council approved administrative items and reviewed a financial report for the period ending January 31st. An audit report for fiscal year 2025 was received, and the board discussed the Basics Act, a federal transportation reauthorization proposal, and potential legislative impacts on transit service capacity.

The committee discussed the Safe Streets 4 All Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, providing updates on crash data analysis, high-injury network mapping, and the regional crash dashboard. Progress on the regional PROTECT project for infrastructure flood vulnerability was reviewed alongside updates on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The committee covered the Active Transportation Microgrant Program, the Safe Routes to School bike and pedestrian safety skills initiative, and upcoming educational Lunch and Learn sessions. Additionally, the committee received status reports on the regional waste authority formation, new tree canopy assessment data, and the selection process for the on-call engineering consultant list. Issues related to municipal snow clearing at transit stops and the state's new bus shelter program were also addressed.

The committee discussed the adoption of the 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program for recommendation to the policy board. Additional items included the approval of funding allocations for intersection improvements in Plymouth, the inclusion of a street rehabilitation project in Beacon Falls into the LOTCIP program, and the recommendation of an on-call engineering list. Various departmental reports were presented regarding environmental planning, data collection, and active transportation initiatives.

The committee meeting focused on the Drive Less Connecticut challenge, highlighting goals for reducing vehicle miles traveled and encouraging sustainable transportation choices like public transit, carpooling, and teleworking. Presenters shared statistics on potential cost and gas savings and provided information on local transportation options, including microtransit, rail, and bus services. The discussion also addressed maintenance agreements for bus shelters with the Department of Transportation and introduced the draft 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program budget.