FHWA, FTA begin New Haven TMA certification review as towns press for clarity on paused federal funding

Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration officials met with RiverCOG to begin a joint certification review of the New Haven Transportation Management Area and to solicit local feedback on planning practices and public participation.

Jennifer Brady of FHWA's Connecticut division and Christina Mendoza of FTA Region 1 explained the review ensures compliance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and federal transportation regulations. "We look to ensure compliance with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law," Brady said, and noted reviews result in full certification, conditional certification with corrective actions, or, rarely, non-certification.

Several board members pressed federal staff about recent executive orders that directed pauses in disbursement of certain IIJA programs. Sam Gold and others asked whether planning (PL) funds and reimbursements already obligated to Connecticut DOT would be affected. Brady said FHWA and FTA have been "on pause" pending implementation guidance from OMB and the Secretary of Transportation; the timing and scope of the pause remain uncertain.

Board members requested that RiverCOG staff and federal liaisons convey local concerns about payroll and project continuity in the coming weeks. Grayson Wright (CTDOT) said he would check with his finance section on whether obligated planning funds were already in DOT's pipeline and report back.

The federal team encouraged comments on draft planning documents, project selection fairness, and whether technical assistance needs are being met; the certification report will incorporate local feedback ahead of the May 2025 review deadline.