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Massachusetts
New England Governors Earmark ARRA Funds for Regional Rail Projects
Unanimous about a great chance for their interdependent transportation systems thanks to an unprecedented federal commitment of $8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) money to High-Speed and Intercity Rail, the six New England governors announced joint efforts to advance six key projects in regional rail corridors and to double ridership by 2030, with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick stressing, ''By investing in a strengthened high speed rail network we will be supporting economic development and smart growth, connecting our vibrant urban areas, and providing people with the opportunity to move more quickly throughout the New England region.''
Having submitted preliminary applications for $95 million to re-route Amtrak's Vermonter and for $500 million to upgrade the inland Boston-Worcester-Springfield commuter line, reports Springfield Republican writer Dan Ring, Governor Patrick and his Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi outlined recently the state's and region's plans to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, with the governor also supporting a $500 million application by Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, to establish a high-speed commuter rail line from New Haven north to Springfield.
Instructed by the six governors -- Patrick, Rell, and John Baldacci of Maine, John Lynch of New Hampshire, Donald Carcieri of Rhode Island and Jim Douglas of Vermont -- their secretaries of transportation will be meeting regularly with the New England Congressional delegation to move their coordinated grant applications forward and seek other federal funds infrastructure and transit improvements.
They will find receptive House and Senate partners.
''Intercity rail projects are exactly the kind of investments we should be making,'' said Senator Edward Kennedy, ''They put people back to work and stimulate the economy, as well as reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.''
Senator John Kerry echoed the statement.
''The need for a world-class high-speed rail in Massachusetts and throughout the Northeast region could not be more clear. It'll drastically improve our severely overcrowded highways, reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on foreign oil, and help get our economy moving again,'' he pointed out. ''I applaud Governor Patrick and his administration, as well as the other New England Governors, for their efforts and commitment to the issue.''
Details of the New England High-Speed and Intercity Rail Network plans, including a map, at www.mass.gov/Agov3/docs/PR071309.pdf and www.coneg.org/reports/corr/tr090511.pdf. -- Republican 7/13/2009
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