Connecticut weighs HrSR issues

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has announced a public information meeting July 29, in Hartford, the state capital, to discuss environmental issues surrounding planned higher-speed rail (HrSR) proposed for Amtrak right-of-way linking New Haven and Hartford, Conn., and Springfield, Mass. Hartford’s Union Station will host the meeting. 

This session will deal with a draft assessment of the project’s environmental impact as well as a more detailed discussion of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield segment of the plan to provide improved rail service (via Vermont) between New York City and Montreal.

“The plans for a high-speed rail line serving commuters and businesses throughout the central ‘spine’ of our state—and eventually connecting with the rest of New England and Canada—are moving full-speed ahead,” Rell said. “This project has tremendous economic development potential for Connecticut and will go a long way to ease congestion on heavily traveled Interstate 91. We want the public to be up-to-date on each step of ou rprogress, which is why these meetings are so important.”

Rell said transportation officials from Vermont and Massachusetts would be present, joining Connecticut Department of Transportation representatives.

The project has been granted $40 million in federal stimulus funds, expected to expand double-tracking along the route. Connecticut has designated $26 million in state bond funds as its share of the double-tracking project; it also is expected to apply for additional money in the next round offederal HSR funding.