Washington, DC - Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd District) announced Wednesday $5,302,900 in federal funds to upgrade railroad track to the Providence, Worcester, and Willimantic freight rail line. The upgrades will increase operating speeds and make movement of freight shipments more efficient.
“These investments in our freight lines will help benefit the economy along the northeast corridor,” Senator Lieberman said. “Improving these tracks will increase the flow of goods through Connecticut, and it will also get trucks off the road, reducing traffic congestion and benefiting our environment as well.”
Said Senator Blumenthal, “These funds, fulfilling our request, will make important upgrades and critically boost Connecticut’s infrastructure and economy. Connecticut is key to moving goods through the northeast corridor. These resources will provide much needed improvements to ensure that goods move more efficiently, will reduce shipping costs, and decrease truck traffic and emissions.”
“Targeted investment to improve our local railways will reduce congestion across our region and bolster our economy,” said Congressman Joe Courtney. “These upgrades will secure the long-term stability of our infrastructure and streamline commerce in our region. It is a win for business, the economy and the environment.”
Connecticut was awarded over a quarter of the freight rail assistance available from the Department of Transportation in a highly competitive application process. The grant will assist in upgrading track to increase speeds on the Willimantic branch from 10 mph to 40 mph.
