Rell seeks project funding
Gov. M. Jodi Rell formally requested an additional $100 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a high-speed rail project for which the state has already been allocated $120 million.
Connecticut had originally requested $220 million in funding for the project, which would run north from New Haven through Hartford to Springfield, Mass.
In a letter to DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, Rell argued the agency should transfer the funds from Ohio and Wisconsin, which won funding for high-speed rail projects but whose incoming governors have stated they will not proceed with the projects.
“No state has committed more fully to its vision for high-speed rail than Connecticut,” Rell said, in a prepared statement. “As Secretary LaHood knows from his own visit to the state in April, not only Connecticut but the entire region is solidly behind this plan ”“ and Connecticut alone has allocated $282 million in state funds to advance the NHHS line and match federal grants.”
Rail cars on order
Connecticut is ordering more than 40 additional M-8 commuter rail cars, with the first commuter trains scheduled to run in early December using the new cars.
With the new contract, the state will now have more than 340 rail cars on order from Kawasaki Rail Cars Inc. The new M-8s feature more open space, larger windows, brighter lighting, high-back seating for all seats, and four power outlets for every row of seats.
“For many years, our commuters have traveled in cars dating to the mid-”™70s,” said Gov. M. Jodi Rell, in prepared comments. “These older cars have traveled many miles supporting millions of commuters ”“ but it is clearly time for a new fleet.”
Panelists look into congestion
The Connecticut Department of Transportation hosted a workshop in mid-November to consider a number of toll- and congestion-pricing alternatives for Connecticut roadways, while stressing no such decision has been reached.
Panelists examined various congestion points including Interstate 95 west of New Haven; Interstate 84 west of Danbury; and Waterbury and Hartford roadways.
In addition to congestion pricing which would vary tolls according to commuter times, workshop participants examined the impact of electronic tolls and high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
