Governor Rell, Senator McKinney Announce $19.4M to Maintain Progress on Fairfield Metro Station

December 29, 2009

Governor M. Jodi Rell and Senate Minority Leader John McKinney today announced that $19.4 million for construction of an access road and temporary, 500-space parking lot for a new Metro-North commuter rail station in Fairfield is expected to gain approval when the state Bond Commission meets January 8, 2010.

The funding will also be used to acquire the right of way for the 700-foot-roadway and construction of a temporary drainage system for the station, and for preliminary engineering work by the Department of Transportation (DOT) on the final phase of the project, including a permanent, 1,200-space parking lot.

“We are committed to keeping the Fairfield Metro station as close to ‘on track’ as possible,” Governor Rell said. “These specific projects were originally supposed to be completed by the developer that is part of the project with the DOT and the Town of Fairfield. That developer, Blackrock Realty, has been affected by the economic downturn – but additional delays might mean the station could not open when the DOT finishes its construction activities next summer.”

The Governor expressed her gratitude to Senator McKinney (R-28) for his strong support of the project.

“John understands the importance of this station to the communities he serves – including the students at Fairfield University – and to the commuter rail system in Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “I appreciate the care and attention he has given to this issue.”

Senator McKinney added: “I want to thank Governor Rell for her vision and commitment to improving our state’s transportation system. The Metro Center is not just good for Fairfield but for the entire region, as it will take cars off our congested highways and make mass transportation more convenient. From Day One, Governor Rell and the DOT have kept this project on schedule. Her willingness to continue that commitment despite a weakened economy is welcome news.”

Governor Rell noted that the Fairfield station is just one of three major commuter rail projects on the Bond Commission agenda this month.

“Projects like this accomplish many goals: They keep and create jobs through construction, they spur future economic development and they reaffirm my Administration’s longstanding commitment to remaking Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure – especially our rail network,” the Governor said. “I am pleased that we can keep this project moving ahead for Fairfield and all of Connecticut.”

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