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

FOR RELEASE: September 6, 2013

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

GOV. MALLOY APPLAUDS $10 MILLION FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION GRANT FOR NEW HAVEN’S STATE STREET STATION

      Governor Dannel P. Malloy today applauded the release of a $10 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to the State of Connecticut for the purpose of constructing a second platform at New Haven’s State Street Station, which will minimize delays and accommodate an increase in service under the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program.

      “New Haven’s State Street Station is a critical junction for all passenger rail service in Connecticut and plays a major role in our state’s economic competitiveness,” Governor Malloy said.  “With this in mind, when I recently sat down with Secretary Foxx to advocate for this project, I reiterated our commitment to modernizing Connecticut’s rail infrastructure.  Combined with previously announced TIGER grants and our commitment to the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Program, we are making long-overdue, strategic choices to improve Connecticut’s transportation system in a way that encourages economic growth and job creation.  I thank Secretary Foxx, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and our state’s Congressional delegation for their support of this award.”

      Under the current track configuration, NHHS trains need to cross over two to three Northeast Corridor main-line tracks to reach the existing platform.  The addition of a second platform will eliminate a substantial amount of cross-over movements, minimizing delays and congestion.

      “State Street is an increasingly important link in our system – just east of Union Station in New Haven and serving Shore Line East and the planned New Haven-Hartford-Springfield corridor,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P Redeker said.  “Adding a second platform will improve the flow of commuter traffic and enhance the overall customer experience.”

      Governor Malloy said that by supporting additional passenger rail service to downtown New Haven, the State Street Station platform improvements will enhance the economic competitiveness of the entire region.  Commuters and visitors will benefit from more frequent train service, faster travel times, and more convenient access to downtown destinations.

      “With many of New Haven’s major employers – including those in the growing bioscience sector – within walking distance from the State Street Station, improving its service is of particular importance as we focus on supporting regional transit-oriented development,” Governor Malloy said.