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	CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: October 16, 2008	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is playing host this year to the Annual Meeting of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Some 700 delegates from across the country are attending the five-day event (Oct. 16-20) at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing highway and transportation departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. It represents all five transportation modes: air; highways; public transportation; rail; and water. Its primary goal is to foster the development, operation, and maintenance of an integrated national transportation system.

“It’s an honor to host the AASHTO conference at an especially important time, as Congress will soon be debating the 2009 transportation funding reauthorization bill that will determine the levels of federal funding for every state,” said Connecticut DOT Commissioner Joseph F. Marie, noting that Connecticut typically receives about $450 million in federal funding annually.

One highlight of the conference will be the rededication of the century old Bulkeley Bridge, which carries I-84 over the Connecticut River between Hartford and East Hartford. This magnificent bridge, with nine distinctive stone arches, first opened in October 1908.

The public rededication ceremony, jointly sponsored by AASHTO, the DOT and Riverfront Recapture, will take place on Sunday, October 19 from 12noon to 3:30 p.m. This free community event in Hartford’s Riverside Park will feature live music from the Coast Guard Cadet Band, Nathan Hale Fife and Drum Corps and other bands, a display of antique and modern trucks and cars, historic photos and memorabilia, and a vintage baseball game.

For more information about AASHTO and its 2008 Annual Meeting in Hartford,  including the schedule of events and meetings, visit www.transportation.org.