(a) On or before September first in the even-numbered year of each biennium, the commissioner shall conduct and complete an assessment of the several modes of transportation in the state, in which the commissioner shall evaluate the adequacy of the facilities and services connected with each such mode and shall determine the needs of the state transportation system. The commissioner shall consider the plans and recommendations prepared by the various boards, councils and commissions that have statutory responsibilities pertaining to the various modes of transportation in Connecticut. The commissioner shall also consider reports, studies, findings and recommendations presented in reports, plans, surveys, and studies relating to transportation prepared for or by any state agency or for or by the state’s regional planning organizations.

(b) The commissioner may engage in experimental projects relating to any available or future mode of transportation, including but not limited to, high speed rail service, the development of heliports and any means of improving existing transportation facilities and services. The commissioner may be assisted by the boards, councils, commissions, state agencies and regional planning organizations referred to in subsection (a) of this section, in connection with any such project.