Central CT Chamber Backs Rail, Invites Joe Marie to Breakfast

The Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce will host DOT Commissioner Joe Marie at its Eggs and Issues Forum, May 20th in Bristol. The Chamber, in conjunction with local communities, has been advocating for expanded commuter rail service from Waterbury through Plymouth, Bristol and Plainville into New Britain, Berlin and Hartford. 

The Central CT Regional Planning Agency recently requested federal funds to upgrade the line. 1000 Friends of Connecticut supports that application.  

Chamber Executive Mike Nicastro wrote, "The cost and efficiency of reopening this line could put mass transit back in business in Central Connecticut very quickly. It will immediately drive economic development and will make even a stronger case for the improvements to the New Haven/Springfield Line." "We should take this opportunity to be bold and utilize the assets we already have in the form of the rail right of ways to 'strike while the iron is hot'," he continued.