Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) made these
remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Governor
M. Jodi Rell on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the Cannondale
Train Station in Wilton. The project includes replacing
the manual signals on the Danbury line with a centralized
control and signal system. This is the first rail project
that will be paid for with federal stimulus funds. State
Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Marie
also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.
“Everyone who depends on this rail
line thanks Governor Rell and Commissioner Marie for
being here in person to celebrate this momentous occasion
for Fairfield County commuters.This is the first rail project paid for with federal
stimulus money – and it is great news for us because
we have been waiting for a long time. I have focused
on the importance of moving this vital project forward
as it has the potential of dramatically improving the
economy of our region of the state. The project replaces
manual signals along the Danbury Metro-North line with
modern, remote-controlled signals. The Danbury branch
line currently doesn't operate with a computerized signal
system. Instead, conductors operate the switches manually.
I cannot tell you how delighted I am that this project
is finally becoming a reality. Governor Rell has made
transportation a focus of her administration because
she understands our needs, especially in congested Fairfield
County. Many commuters on this rail line have expressed
their gratitude to both our Governor and our DOT Commissioner
Joseph Marie for their action on this critical project.
It will go a long way toward improving their ability
to travel between work and home. The fact that we will
be able to upgrade the entire line all the way to Danbury,
rather than just to Wilton as first envisioned, shows
that we can make things happen when we work together.
There is clearly a new way of doing things at the DOT
and I commend and thank Governor Rell and Commissioner
Marie for their leadership.”
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