Supporters of a 14-mile bridge that would link Bridgeport and Long Island will testify before state lawmakers in Hartford this week.

Developer Steve Shapiro, of Easton, says he's pushing for a study that would explore the idea.

Shapiro, along with former Mayor Bill Finch and State Rep. Joe Hoxha, among others will testify before the state Commerce Committee on Tuesday.

"We're encouraged this study is going to show a drastic reduction in congestion, in emissions, create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars every year for the state economy to help make our state more affordable," Shapiro said on Sunday.

"This bridge would really cut down on the time it would take for travelers to go from one side to the other," Hoxha said.

"We saw what the new Mario Cuomo Bridge did for New York. It created middle class families with healthcare and returning veteran opportunities and apprenticeships for our high school students. It was a boom to New York state. Why can't Connecticut have that too?" Finch said.

Supporters say the $50 billion span would include a rail deck to reduce pollution and grow the economy.