Funds to be used for upgrades
in the commuter train power system
Hartford, CT – State Senator L. Scott Frantz,
Reps. Fred Camillo, Lile Gibbons, and Livy Floren applauded
Governor Rell’s announcement that the state Bond
Commission is expected to release $5.3 million to upgrade
the power system for commuter trains from New Haven
to New York when they meet on October 30th.
The project will upgrade a substation in the Cos Cob
section of Greenwich, which supplies power to part of
the New Haven Rail line between Greenwich and Harrison,
N.Y. The New Haven Rail line trains, operated by Metro-North,
are powered by overhead wires supplied by a series of
substations along the route.
“Critical infrastructure maintenance and support,
especially concerning one of our most important transportation
systems, is simply an investment we can’t afford
not to make regardless of the State’s fiscal situation
and I am very grateful for the Governor’s continued
commitment to public transportation,”
said Senator Frantz. “These funds will
go a long way in making needed improvements to one of
our community’s most important assets, especially
as we prepare for new state-of-the-art rail cars.”
"The rail line, like I-95, is the economic life
blood of our region. This upgrade along with the soon
to be here M-8 rails cars, will ensure our rail system
has both enough power and comfort for our commuters
and rail passengers for years to come. Hats off to Governor
Rell for making this happen", said Rep.
Camillo.
"The power upgrades announced today by the Governor
are essential for our Greenwich Metro north commuters
as the new trains are brought online. The additional
power makes it possible for extra train cars to be added
to current lines and to keep the trains moving at a
consistent speed,” said Rep. Gibbons.
"I want to thank Governor Rell for her support
of this project. The substation upgrade is needed in
preparation of the new rail cars going on line in 2010,"
added Rep.Floren.
The Cos Cob substation upgrade will be done in two
phases – design and construction. Design work
will begin over the winter months and construction will
begin in 2010. The upgrade is expected to be completed
in 2012.
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