NWCT CEDS and Action Agenda
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Northwest Connecticut Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy and Action Agenda
Objective/Initiative #7: Regional infrastructure plan
Objective/Initiative Description: Develop a regional infrastructure plan for Northwest
Connecticut that capitalizes on prior transportation and other infrastructure planning carried out
by LHCEO and NWCCOG.
This Initiative Supports Goal 5 - Infrastructure
Background Information
The term Infrastructure, as used here, means the region’s transportation, utility,
telecommunications, and stormwater management facilities and services.
As recognized Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs) in Connecticut, both LHCEO and
NWCCOG maintain detailed regional transportation plans. Communities in the region include
some level of transportation, utility and stormwater management planning in their POCDs, and
often in municipal Capital Improvement Plans. Connecticut Light & Power and a number of
telecommunications firms are constantly identifying necessary system improvements. The
Housatonic Railroad is planning major improvements in rail facilities and services.
Despite all this planning, the region lacks a comprehensive, region-wide infrastructure plan that
blends all ongoing planning efforts regarding roads, rail, electric service, natural gas service,
public water and sewer services, telecommunications, and stormwater management into a
cohesive plan, and identifies current and future infrastructure needs that require cost-effective
planning and response. This Objective/Initiative is aimed at providing that comprehensive
regional infrastructure plan.
Objective/Initiative #7 Major Action Steps and Schedule
Action Steps
1. Establish a joint LHCEO/NWCCOG Regional Infrastructure Plan
Work Group and enlist necessary participants.
2. Develop a detailed outline of the Regional Infrastructure Plan
contents.
3. Establish a work program and schedule for preparing the plan.
4. Carry out any necessary research on similar plans from other
areas.
5. Carry out any necessary research on regional conditions, plans,
challenges, and related matters.
6. Develop a preliminary list of infrastructure needs requiring
immediate attention and those that are less urgent but desirable.
7. Develop a Regional Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan and
Budget.
8. Begin identification of funding resources for highest priority
Schedule
3rd Qtr 2014
3rd Qtr 2014
3rd Qtr 2014
4th Qtr 2014
1st & 2nd Qtrs 2015
2nd Qtr 2015
3rd Qtr 2015
4th Qtr 2015
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Northwest Connecticut Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Action Agenda
NWCT CEDS and Action Agenda
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infrastructure needs.
9. Apply for or arrange funding as necessary and available.
10. Implement priority infrastructure improvements.
11. Continue the process as necessary with annual Regional
Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plans and Budgets.
1st Qtr 2016/Ongoing
2nd Qtr 2016/Ongoing
Ongoing
Responsibility
Primary:

Support:
LHCEO/NWCCOG Regional Infrastructure Plan
Work Group

Local Departments of Public Works and
Highways
Utility providers
ConnDOT
Housatonic Railroad



Resources Needed
Funding:
Other:



Item
Amount
Unknown
Project support
Plan implementation
Staff and volunteer time


Possible Sources
LHCEO & NWCCOG Budgets
ConnDOT
Performance Measures


Northwest Connecticut Regional Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan and Budget issued
by September 2015
First infrastructure improvements included in the Northwest Connecticut Regional
Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan completed by June 2016
Timeframe
This Initiative is:
 Short-term
 Intermediate-term
 Long-term
 Continuing
(1-2 years)
(3-5 years)
(5+ years)
As needed
Initial Planning
Initial Plan Released
and Implementation
Begun
Additional Information
For examples of Regional Infrastructure Plans, see:
Richmond, VA region: http://www.richmondregional.org/planning/green%20infrastructure.htm
Southern Africa: http://ridmp-gis.org/
Queensland, Australia: http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/local-area-planning/priority-infrastructureplans.html
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Northwest Connecticut Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Action Agenda