Sen. Fasano: Connecticut to Receive Federal Funds for Springfield-Hartford-New Haven Rail Line

Hartford, CT – State Senator Len Fasano (R-North Haven) today praised the allocation of $40 million of federal stimulus money to be used towards the establishment of a high-speed rail line between New Haven and Springfield. The project which has been in the planning stages for several years will be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and will double-track the 62-mile line between New Haven and Springfield to enable high-speed rail service.

“Governor Rell and Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Marie have initiated an important project for southern Connecticut and really the entire state,” said Sen. Fasano. “I am concerned about the level of federal spending, especially as our national debt has reached over $11 trillion dollars, but whether we choose to use the ARRA funds or not, they will be appropriated somewhere. Taking advantage of federal money to begin work on an important state project that would otherwise remain on hold is a wise decision. At a time when Connecticut desperately needs an economic boost, improvements to our infrastructure, especially along the congested I-91 corridor, will go a long way in making our state more attractive to potential residents and businesses.”

The plans for the new line include service between New Haven and Springfield running Monday through Friday on a 30-minute peak period schedule, with the primary goal of reducing congestion along the I-91 corridor. The long-term proposal also calls for the construction of a rail new station in North Haven and several other key towns and small cities along I-91.

“Governor Rell and Commissioner Marie did a great job pursuing these funds and have once again shown their commitment to providing affordable, energy efficient and accessible public transportation,” added Sen. Fasano.