Jim Writes Letter in Support of High Speed Rail

Easton Courier, Thursday, August 12, 2010

U.S. Rep. Himes is one of 20 federal legislators from New England that signed a letter in support of an application submitted by Connecticut, in partnership with Massachusetts and Vermont, requesting $220 million in federal high-speed intercity passenger rail funds.

The application seeks federal funding for rail improvements between New Haven and Springfield, Mass., which would help connect New York city with central Connecticut, Boston, western Massachusetts, Vermont and Montreal

“Fast and frequent rail service will take cars and trucks off these congested roads, reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency,” stated the letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood and the federal Railroad Administration’s Joseph C. Szabo.

It was signed by U.S. Senators and other Congressmen from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, including this state’s Christopher Dodd and Joeseph Lieberman.

Himes is a freshman Democrat whose district includes Easton.

The money would be used for double tracking between New Haven and Springfield, and to make improvements to signals, communications, crossings, bridges and stations on the line.