Sen. Kissel: Connecticut to Receive Federal Funds for Springfield-Hartford-New Haven Rail Line
January 28, 2010New Enfield Railroad Station Will Benefit North-Central Connecticut As Well
State Senator John A. Kissel (R- Enfield) today praised the release 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 has been in the planning stages for several years and the federal funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will be used to double-tracking 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 done a tremendous job securing these important funds for our state,” said Sen. Kissel. “While I have concerns about the impact of the ARRA on our steadily growing national debt, the fact remains that whether we access them or not, the funds will be allocated somewhere. I applaud the Governor and her administration for utilizing these funds to make a wise investment in the infrastructure of our state. Affordable, energy efficient, and high-speed public transportation is good for the future of our state and will give Connecticut a much needed economic boost.”
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 will also add a new station in Enfield and enhance the Windsor Locks station with a bus connection to Bradley International Airport.
The allocation of these funds is the result of the hard work of many people in our state who deserve the highest praise,” Sen. Kissel added. Under the continued leadership of Governor Rell and Commissioner Marie, this project is certainly headed for success. Connecticut and north-central Connecticut in particular have had need for this project for many years and the sooner we get started, the better.”