DANBURY, CONN. — Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker will speak at Western Connecticut State University on Oct. 7 at a forum on the future of Connecticut’s highway and rail system sponsored by the university and the League of Women Voters of Greater Danbury.

The forum, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, in Warner Hall on the Midtown campus, 181 White St., Danbury, will also feature Thomas Maziarz, chief of the Department of Transportation Bureau of Policy and Planning, and Oz Griebel, a member of the Governor’s Transportation Finance panel.

The state Legislature this year approved a $2.8 billion bonding package to improve Connecticut transportation, the first part of Gov. Dannel Malloy’s long-term plan to transform the state’s highways and rail system.

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk, and Republican Sen. Toni Boucher, who represents parts of Bethel, Ridgefield and Redding, will discuss legislative perspectives on the plan.

When Malloy proposed a 10-year transportation plan, he said improvements were needed to ensure Connecticut’s financial future.

“Transportation is the backbone of our economy,” Malloy said. “The movement of people and goods, facilitating commerce, and bolstering tourism all depend on a highly functioning transit and highway system.”

Redeker agreed, saying, “It is essential that we continue to improve transportation options and service in Connecticut. Improving our transportation system also makes Connecticut a more competitive, sustainable and livable state.”

The forum will give residents an opportunity to ask questions of government officials and political leaders on this crucial topic.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to citizens’ informed and active participation in government, increased understanding of major governmental issues and influence upon public policy through education and advocacy.

The League and the university hope that this program serves to increase public understanding of this critical issue for our state.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.