Join our Campaign
- Newsroom | Press Shop ¦ Permalink | Share
Murphy trying to put rail project on fast track
Jun 14, 07:54 PM
Meriden Record-Journal
By Amanda Falcone
Record-Journal staff
MERIDEN— With railroad tracks as his backdrop, U.S. Rep. Christopher S. Murphy, DConn., spoke about legislation to help move along a commuter rail project that would allow for travel between New Haven and Springfield.
Meriden is expected to be one stop along the way, according to preliminary plans, and the city has included the construction of a new railroad station in its downtown redevelopment plans. “We stand right next to a tremendous opportunity,” Murphy said.
Murphy sponsored an amendment to an Amtrak-related bill considered by the U.S. House of Representatives this week.
The amendment pledges that Congress supports the rail service between New Haven and Springfield. It also requires that Amtrak report to Congress and the Connecticut and Massachusetts transportation departments on the total cost of the uncompleted infrastructure maintenance on the rail line.
It was passed by the House, but still needs to be voted on by the Senate and signed by the president.
Murphy said Meriden’s state legislative delegation asked him for help when the state had trouble getting necessary information from Amtrak.
Connecticut needs information and cost estimates to proceed with its project, Murphy said.
Murphy said he has already noticed that Amtrak is more willing to talk with the two states since the amendment’s passage.
“He’s moved us on the fast track,” said state House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden.
But Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole said Friday that communication between Connecticut and Amtrak has not been a problem.
“We have worked very cooperatively on introducing commuter service and have even gone so far as to develop service plans for the state’s consideration,” Cole said.
Both Murphy and Donovan say there is a need in Connecticut for additional commuter rail service, particularly in the central part of the state. Connecticut has seen a 5.5 percent increase in commuter rail use over just the first quarter of 2008, Murphy pointed out. Looking toward the future, Murphy said it is estimated that a New Haven-Springfield rail line will result in an estimated 2.2 million passenger miles per year.
Also speaking during Friday’s press conference was local Attorney Thomas Welsh, who represented the Meriden Chamber of Commerce.
“Look around,” Welsh said of the Meriden train station. “This is not a garden spot, but this is where in Meriden the renaissance will flower.”
