WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Chris Murphy (CT-5) and Jim Himes (CT-4) urged the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Rail Administration to prioritize funding for high speed New England passenger rail projects.

In a letter to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, the delegation wrote that the creation of the Northern New England High Speed Rail Corridor would link the New England states with the Mid-Atlantic Region and internationally with Montreal. The delegation, along with other New England Senators and Representatives, stated that an investment in high speed rail would promote economic development and create livable communities across New England.

“The New England states are uniquely positioned to make use of the unprecedented $8 billion investment in passenger rail now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” wrote the delegation. “Our well-developed rail infrastructure includes three of the busiest train stations in the country (Boston, Providence and New Haven) and all six states are served by Amtrak, which operates the Downeaster, the Vermonter and other trains along the Northeast Corridor.”

To view a copy of the letter sent by the New England Senators click here and to view a copy of the letter sent by the Representatives click here.