Conn. seeks funds for rail work on Hartford-to-Springfield line (document)

State officials have applied for $227 million from the federal government that would complete track improvements between Hartford and Springfield, Mass., and bring rail travel between Vermont and New Haven closer to reality.

The state Department of Transportation applied for the money to the Federal Railroad Administration, part of $2.4 billion that the governor of Florida rejected because of the spending it would require from his budget.

Read more online at NHHS Rail News

“Once implemented, this line will support up to 50 daily passenger trains reaching speeds up to 110 miles an hour — providing some of the best rail service in the nation,” Malloy said this week in an announcement of the application.

“Furthermore, this project will create about 13,000 construction-related jobs and produce important environmental energy and economic benefits,” Malloy said. “For communities in the region, the project will offer employment opportunities and serve as a catalyst for new transit-oriented development.”

Read Malloy's letter here:

Application for Hartford-Springfield rail project

The $227 million, plus $97.3 million in state matching funds, will pay for double-tracking the Amtrak line between Hartford and Springfield, John Bernick, project manager for the DOT, said Wednesday.

Connecticut’s application includes money for track work between the Connecticut border and Springfield and “options for a layover facility in Massachusetts that will allow the trains to turn around,” Bernick said. Massachusetts will pay its own match, however.

“We’re in cooperation and in partnership with not only Massachusetts but Vermont, because Vermont is doing a project that is part of a successful application,” Bernick said. Eventually, the line would connect Montreal to New Haven and points south with two tracks running the entire length.

To date, Connecticut has received $160.9 million in federal funds and matched it with $161.9 million in state money to improve the tracks and stations between New Haven and Hartford, Bernick said.

This week’s application includes work on the Springfield railroad station, $6 million to analyze and plan projects on the Hartford viaduct and the Connecticut River bridge in Windsor Locks.

The DOT has set up a website with more information at www.nhhsrail.com.

“New train service will connect communities, generate sustainable growth … and provide links to travel corridors and markets within and beyond our region,” acting DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said in a statement.

Ultimately, trains could run every 30 minutes during peak hours on the 62-mile stretch and every hour off-peak. The state projects 1.26 million riders annually by 2030. Service is scheduled to start in 2016.

Berlick said money is still being sought to build or upgrade stations in Enfield, West Hartford, Newington and North Haven.

Call Ed Stannard at 203-789-5743.