DODD, GOVERNOR RELL AND CONNECTICUT DELEGATION ANNOUNCE MAJOR FUNDING TO IMPROVE CONNECTICUT'S HIGH-SPEED RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE

MERIDEN, C.T. — Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Governor Jodi Rell, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Congressman John Larson (CT-1) and Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) announced today a major federal investment in the high-speed rail line connecting New Haven, Hartford and Springfield, MA at the Amtrak Station in Meriden. 

Along with Connecticut House Speaker Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) and Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner Jeffrey Parker, the delegation announced that Connecticut will receive $120.9 million to establish faster, more frequent intercity and commuter rail service and encourage transit-oriented development throughout central Connecticut. This funding will be added to the $260 million that the State Bond Commission approved to help finance the project.

"Today’s announcement of a major investment in high-speed rail is an extraordinary opportunity to set our state on a path of long-term economic growth,” said Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT). “For years we have worked to secure the necessary funding to expand rail service throughout Connecticut. Investing in this 62-miles of track is a major investment in the growth and development of the entire region, helping to create jobs, build our state’s infrastructure, and make the vision of connecting New York, Hartford, Springfield and Boston a reality.”

“High speed rail plays an essential role in the lives of people throughout our state and region,” said Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT).  “I’m thrilled that Connecticut has won this money so that we can increase and improve the safety, speed, and ease with which our passengers travel and provide much needed jobs in Connecticut.”

“It’s a great day for commuters, a great day for business and economic development all along the central Connecticut corridor and a great day for the future of transportation – not only here but throughout New England,” said Governor M. Jodi Rell. “This funding will be paired with money already approved by the state Bond Commission to make important upgrades to the existing route, allowing us to run trains in both directions at the same time, dramatically increasing speeds and improving service all along the route.”

“Today’s announcement is a huge step forward for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield high-speed intercity passenger rail line, which will provide for jobs particularly in the hard hit construction sector, help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, cut carbon emissions, better connect our communities, and create future opportunities for economic development,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3). “I thank my colleagues for their dedication in making the New Haven-Springfield line come to life, and we will continue working to make the public investments that will rebuild Connecticut, create good jobs, and provide a foundation for future prosperity.”

"This funding will guarantee the complete development of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line. A strong regional high speed rail line will single-handily commercially and socially reshape our state and New England as a whole," said Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1), co-chair of the Northeast Congressional Rail Caucus. "Over the past year, I worked with the Connecticut Congressional Delegation to demonstrate our state's commitment to this mission, including hosting Secretary LaHood on a train ride from New Haven to Hartford. These efforts paid dividend to today's announcement becoming a reality."

“The New Haven-Hartford-Springfield line is a critical component of our state’s transportation future,” said Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2). “It is good for jobs, our environment and our region. Connecticut has lagged behind in investment in light and commuter rail options. Today's announcement puts us on a path toward improved mobility options for our state, reduced congestion on our highways and transit-oriented economic development in areas like Enfield. We still have work to do, but, this well-placed federal investment in the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield line is much-needed step in the right direction.”

"Connecticut's commuters simply can't afford to have clogged highways limiting their economic growth and job creation any longer,” said Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5). This grant represents an historic investment in the future of Meriden and every stop along the route up to Springfield and down to New Haven.  We've got more work to do, but this grant represents a huge leap forward."

“Even in tough economic times, investing in our infrastructure is absolutely critical,” said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4). “Modernizing our transportation system with high speed rail will improve our quality of life and make travel more efficient for families and businesses alike."

"In terms of the economy, energy and the environment, this project presents tremendous opportunities for Connecticut and the Northeast," said Connecticut House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan. "The commitment of the state and now the federal government is making real economic development and job creation a reality. We're putting people back to work on a trans-Connecticut rail project that will benefit us every single day -- in Meriden and all along this important corridor. The Obama administration and our Congressional delegation, led by Senator Dodd, understand how this project can have a transforming impact on the region's economy."

"Today's announcement is another important milestone in achieving an interconnected, high-speed rail corridor for Connecticut and the entire northeast region,” said ConnDOT Commissioner Jeffrey Parker. “By linking the region's economic centers via high-speed rail, we are opening doors for job growth and economic opportunity. At the same time, the investments made in this infrastructure will help us greatly improve commuter rail options for local travelers as well." 

As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, which has jurisdiction over public transportation, Dodd has been a longtime advocate for high speed rail service in Connecticut. Dodd, DOT Secretary LaHood, Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation, Governor Rell, and state officials have been working together to deliver federal funds to Connecticut to complete the Tri-City Corridor that will provide residents of central Connecticut with better access to New York City, western Massachusetts, Vermont, and eventually Boston.

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