DeLauro: “Our Area Needs High-Speed Rail”

JoinedCelebration of Next Phase in New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Line

NEWHAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) joined with Governor Dannel Malloy,Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressmen John Larson and Chris Murphy and otherfederal, state and local officials today to celebrate the next step in the longawaited New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line. Today's event marked therelease of a $121 million federal grant that will help build the next phase ofthe line.

DeLauro,a longtime supporter of improving our transportation systems, has fought forthe federal aid that helps fund the rail line. Her legislation to create afederal infrastructure bank would encourage projects like this in Connecticutand across the country.

Thefollowing remarks are as prepared for delivery:

Thisline has been a work in progress for years – I believe it was first discussedseriously way back in 1994, and it has been a top priority for ourcongressional delegation, and for the State.

Today'sfunding builds on two previous Federal grants providing $70 million, as well asthe $260 million the state has committed to this project through the State BondCommission.

Ourarea needs high-speed rail. New England is the most heavily trafficked commuterregion in the US. Traffic has increased two to three times faster than thepopulation since 1990.

Andwhen 80 percent of Connecticut commuters drive to work by themselves, we haveto provide a better, more attractive, alternative.

Soit is great to see the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield line take a huge stepforward today with the release of this funding for Phase 2.

Withthese funds, we'll be able to double track and upgrade the line, increasespeeds, reduce delays, and add capacity much needed capacity.

Whencompleted, this high speed rail line is expected to significantly reduce thenumber of vehicles on the road by greatly increasing the number of intercitytrains that run per day and adding commuter trains.

Asa result, we will save fossil fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions.

And,just as important, this new line means opportunities for economic developmentand expansion, all up and down the line.

TheNew Haven-Hartford-Springfield line is expected to generate over 8,000 newjobs, especially around the existing and planned stations.

Iunderstand that right here in Meriden there are plans for a robust TransitOriented Development and I look forward to similar projects in Wallingford andby the Exit 10 Connector.

Uponcompletion our communities will be better connected, to each other and toplaces like Bradley Airport.

SoI want to thank Governor Malloy, the General Assembly, and my fellow members ofthe delegation for working hard in tandem with members from Massachusetts andVermont to make this happen.

Ifwe are going to create jobs and produce long-term economic growth, investmentslike these are critical for our state.

Westart investing in our transportation infrastructure again, and we can put ourmen and women in construction back to work.

SoI will continue to push for high-speed rail in our state, and for the othervital infrastructure investments that restore long-term prosperity

Thatincludes an infrastructure bank, something I have long fought for, to helpleverage private capital towards public investment.

Thankyou again. I cannot wait to see the next phase of the project.