CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: June 5, 2013

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Connecticut DOT Commissioner Redeker is New Chair of NEC Commission

                Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker is the new chair of the Northeast Corridor Commission, an organization created by Congress to lead the creation and implementation of a visionary, long-term, regional investment strategy for the Northeast Corridor.

               The Northeast Corridor (NEC) is the rail backbone of the Northeast region and the busiest passenger rail corridor in the United Sates. It connects eight states and the District of Columbia and each day serves 750,000 riders and 2,200 commuter, intercity, and freight trains.

                “In recognition of the vital importance of the Northeast Corridor to the national and regional economy, this Commission is committed to action that will lead to the long-term success of the corridor and the nation as a whole,” said Redeker, whose two-year term began June 1. “I personally am committed to the Commission’s goal of identifying and recommending strategic and targeted infrastructure investments to support the system’s continued growth and its role as a catalyst for the regional economy.”

               Officially the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission, it was created in recognition of the inherent challenges of coordinating, financing, and implementing major system improvements that cross multiple jurisdictions. The Commission is comprised of members from each of the Northeast Corridor states, Amtrak, and the U.S. Department of Transportation and includes non-voting representatives from freight railroads and states with connecting corridors. More about the Commission at www.nec-commission.com.