Wilton State Rep Calls for Attention to Railroads

NORWALK, Conn. — The rail infrastructure in southwestern Connecticut is too important for the state to ignore, says state Rep. Gail Lavielle, R-Wilton.

At a Southwestern Regional Planning Agency meeting at Norwalk City Hall, Lavielle said the rail system is a major contributor to the state’s economy and said maintaining its infrastructure should be a priority. Lavielle also represents part of Norwalk.

“Our region contributes more than 45 percent of the state’s tax revenues, and the New Haven Line is the busiest rail line in the country,” Lavielle said in a statement. “Reliable, frequent, and safe service on this line is key for attracting and retaining jobs in the state. This is literally an engine for Connecticut’s economy.”

According to Lavielle, the Danbury and New Canaan branches are heavily used and should be upgraded before the state takes any action on new projects. By upgrading the two branches, it would allow more trains to move through and increase service on the New Haven Line.

“For example, the branch line improvements could be made at about half the cost of the $600 million New Britain busway. Before spending such an egregious amount of taxpayer money, the state should seriously reconsider its transportation priorities,” Lavielle said.

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