Showing posts with label Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Project. Show all posts
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Bonding OK Seen As Important First Step In State's Rail Plan
Progress worth cheering. Might seem modest dollarwise given the total needed to make commuter rail from New Haven-Hartford-Springfield a reality, but puts Connecticut in a better position to win substantial federal rail funding.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
U.S. Railroad Head: Hopeful for January $8B Stimulus Spending
Dow Jones reports: "The agency had planned to divvy up the money in October, but "the fact of the matter is, this is a transformational time for passenger rail. We're taking a few more months to make sure the $8B is clearly invested in the right places."
Saturday, October 24, 2009
CT Bond Money for New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail
Gov. Rell expects approval Oct. 30 when the Bond Commission meets for $26 million for work on the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail project. That would be a very welcome development.
Connecticut has also applied for federal stimulus funds for improving service on this lines as part of a very competive grants process that should start revealing winning projects "soon."
Connecticut has also applied for federal stimulus funds for improving service on this lines as part of a very competive grants process that should start revealing winning projects "soon."
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Connecticut formally applies for stimulus funds for New Haven to Springfield rail line
EXCERPT:
"Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the state is proceeding with its efforts to establish high-speed rail service between New Haven and Springfield by applying for a share of the $8 billion in stimulus funds available for high-speed rail projects."
"Governor Rell and Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick have been working together to expand commuter rail between the two major cities in the respective states. They wrote a letter in March to Amtrak President Joseph H. Boardman expressing their shared vision, outlining the benefits a reliable, high-speed service would bring to the region. State transportation officials from the two state and Amtrak officials have been meeting since March to move the project forward."
"Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the state is proceeding with its efforts to establish high-speed rail service between New Haven and Springfield by applying for a share of the $8 billion in stimulus funds available for high-speed rail projects."
"Governor Rell and Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick have been working together to expand commuter rail between the two major cities in the respective states. They wrote a letter in March to Amtrak President Joseph H. Boardman expressing their shared vision, outlining the benefits a reliable, high-speed service would bring to the region. State transportation officials from the two state and Amtrak officials have been meeting since March to move the project forward."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Union Station Redevelopment Agreement Reached--Finished 2012?
This is good news. Forward movement on this project helps create positive momentum for rail projects that would use Springfield as a hub, such as the proposed commuter rail link from New Haven-Hartford-Springfield and rail improvements from Springfield to Vermont.
EXCERPT:
Although the project has been at a standstill for years, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has just reached an agreement with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Together they will design build and operate the union station transportation center as a joint venture.
When the project is finished, the terminal will house PVTA, Amtrak, commuter rail and intercity bus services, as well as having office space, rentals for economic development, a transportation conference center and even a day care.
The project will use a combination of federal transit and state transit grants totaling $65.2 million. The design phase is expected to begin this fall, with an anticipated completion date of 2012.
EXCERPT:
Although the project has been at a standstill for years, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has just reached an agreement with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Together they will design build and operate the union station transportation center as a joint venture.
When the project is finished, the terminal will house PVTA, Amtrak, commuter rail and intercity bus services, as well as having office space, rentals for economic development, a transportation conference center and even a day care.
The project will use a combination of federal transit and state transit grants totaling $65.2 million. The design phase is expected to begin this fall, with an anticipated completion date of 2012.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sen. Dodd Continues Pushing for New Haven-Springfield Commuter Rail
EXCERPT:
Starting commuter and high-speed train service along the route "will create new transit villages, get people off the roads, and revitalize our regional economy," Dodd said as he convened a Senate banking committee hearing in Washington.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said "people need access to buses, light rail, walking, biking. That direction is the wave of the future."The federal Department of Transportation will expedite new mass transit projects, which can languish for 10 to 15 years between initial proposals and actual start of service, LaHood said.Transit advocates in Connecticut have been pushing for New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail service since the mid-1990s, but the project had little momentum until this year. Massachusetts and Connecticut officials are working with Amtrak to apply for a share of the Obama administration's stimulus funding for high-speed rail to make major improvements along the 62-mile line. Amtrak would use the corridor for part of new, 110-mph service linking Hartford to New York and eventually to Boston. The state DOT would use the same tracks for daily commuter trains with nearly 10 stops along the way.
Starting commuter and high-speed train service along the route "will create new transit villages, get people off the roads, and revitalize our regional economy," Dodd said as he convened a Senate banking committee hearing in Washington.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said "people need access to buses, light rail, walking, biking. That direction is the wave of the future."The federal Department of Transportation will expedite new mass transit projects, which can languish for 10 to 15 years between initial proposals and actual start of service, LaHood said.Transit advocates in Connecticut have been pushing for New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail service since the mid-1990s, but the project had little momentum until this year. Massachusetts and Connecticut officials are working with Amtrak to apply for a share of the Obama administration's stimulus funding for high-speed rail to make major improvements along the 62-mile line. Amtrak would use the corridor for part of new, 110-mph service linking Hartford to New York and eventually to Boston. The state DOT would use the same tracks for daily commuter trains with nearly 10 stops along the way.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Franklin County, MA Transit Center -- Future Commuter Rail Stop -- Launched
So many wins from this project
Breaking ground on this transit center is exciting for many reasons. It will stimulate economic activity, it's a green multimodal center that will drastically minimize energy use and can actually generate energy, AND, it's another building block in both the restoration of passenger rail service from Springfield to Vermont and establishing commuter rail service from Vermont through Springfield all the way to New Haven, CT.
More signs from Gov. Patrick and Secy. Aloisi that they get how important investment in public transit -- in WESTERN MASS -- really is.
Breaking ground on this transit center is exciting for many reasons. It will stimulate economic activity, it's a green multimodal center that will drastically minimize energy use and can actually generate energy, AND, it's another building block in both the restoration of passenger rail service from Springfield to Vermont and establishing commuter rail service from Vermont through Springfield all the way to New Haven, CT.
More signs from Gov. Patrick and Secy. Aloisi that they get how important investment in public transit -- in WESTERN MASS -- really is.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Contact Neal & Olver before Dec. 9 re: Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail
At the successful Bringing in the Green Expo sponsored by the East Longmeadow Green Committee today, members of the Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail had a chance to talk with Rep. Richard Neal and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, both supporters of commuter rail. We asked Congressman Neal how we could get the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line funded in the upcoming stimulus bill that Congress is trying to have ready for President-Elect Obama to sign as soon as he takes office in Jan.
Rep. Neal said that House Democrats are meeting Tue. Dec. 9 to discuss which projects should be funded in the stimulus bill and that he would make this commuter rail line his priority. I believe him because he is on record supporting this commuter rail line. At the same time, I can only imagine the kinds of debates and horsetrading that will play out among congressional colleagues -- all with project backlogs and vocal constituencies -- during this time of competing national crises.
That is why I am urging all of you to contact your U.S. representatives -- before Dec. 9 if possible -- to make sure the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line is prominently on their radar screens as they meet with their colleagues and hammer out the specifics of the stimulus bill that could be passed as early as Jan.
Contact info for U.S. Reps Richard Neal and John Olver, plus suggested subject/text for an email follow. Here's a chance to make yourself heard at a critical time in the decisionmaking process. Thank you!
Jen Cosgrove, PVACR volunteer
Rep. Richard Neal
http://www.house.gov/neal/write_neal.html
WASHINGTON (202) 225-5601
MILFORD (508) 634-8198
SPRINGFIELD (413) 785-0325
Rep. John Olver
http://www.house.gov/olver/contactme.html
Washington, DC TEL: 202-225-5335
Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties
TEL: 413-532-7010
Berkshire County
TEL: 413-442-0946
Worcester and Middlesex Counties
TEL: 978-342-8722
SUGGESTED LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD-NEW HAVEN COMMUTER RAIL LINE PROJECT
Subject: Voter who wants Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail funded
Dear Congressmen Neal,
When you meet with your congressional colleagues this week to discuss infrastructure projects that should be funded in the next stimulus bill, please push for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line to be funded.
This project is an excellent example of the kind of “shovel ready” investments that would produce tremendous, long-term benefits for our region.
It's green – Commuter rail would reduce pollution-emitting traffic on I-91, I-84, and I-95, improving the air we all breathe.
It’s good for our economy – The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission estimates that this line would generate at least $152 million in new economic activity in Western MA.
It’s good for riders and employers – Commuter rail gives commuters and travelers more convenient and affordable options. It’s also a key part of a sustainable transportation system of rail, buses, and cars that employers need to attract the best workers and keep businesses running smoothly.
Please do all that you can to get the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line project funded in the next stimulus bill.
Sincerely,
Rep. Neal said that House Democrats are meeting Tue. Dec. 9 to discuss which projects should be funded in the stimulus bill and that he would make this commuter rail line his priority. I believe him because he is on record supporting this commuter rail line. At the same time, I can only imagine the kinds of debates and horsetrading that will play out among congressional colleagues -- all with project backlogs and vocal constituencies -- during this time of competing national crises.
That is why I am urging all of you to contact your U.S. representatives -- before Dec. 9 if possible -- to make sure the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line is prominently on their radar screens as they meet with their colleagues and hammer out the specifics of the stimulus bill that could be passed as early as Jan.
Contact info for U.S. Reps Richard Neal and John Olver, plus suggested subject/text for an email follow. Here's a chance to make yourself heard at a critical time in the decisionmaking process. Thank you!
Jen Cosgrove, PVACR volunteer
Rep. Richard Neal
http://www.house.gov/neal/write_neal.html
WASHINGTON (202) 225-5601
MILFORD (508) 634-8198
SPRINGFIELD (413) 785-0325
Rep. John Olver
http://www.house.gov/olver/contactme.html
Washington, DC TEL: 202-225-5335
Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties
TEL: 413-532-7010
Berkshire County
TEL: 413-442-0946
Worcester and Middlesex Counties
TEL: 978-342-8722
SUGGESTED LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD-NEW HAVEN COMMUTER RAIL LINE PROJECT
Subject: Voter who wants Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail funded
Dear Congressmen Neal,
When you meet with your congressional colleagues this week to discuss infrastructure projects that should be funded in the next stimulus bill, please push for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line to be funded.
This project is an excellent example of the kind of “shovel ready” investments that would produce tremendous, long-term benefits for our region.
It's green – Commuter rail would reduce pollution-emitting traffic on I-91, I-84, and I-95, improving the air we all breathe.
It’s good for our economy – The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission estimates that this line would generate at least $152 million in new economic activity in Western MA.
It’s good for riders and employers – Commuter rail gives commuters and travelers more convenient and affordable options. It’s also a key part of a sustainable transportation system of rail, buses, and cars that employers need to attract the best workers and keep businesses running smoothly.
Please do all that you can to get the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line project funded in the next stimulus bill.
Sincerely,
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