Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced today his office filed a “robust application” yesterday for $227 million in federal funding to complete the third phase of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield high-speed rail project.
The money is available because Florida recently rejected $2.4 billion in high-speed rail funds, not wanting to commit the state to matching funds.
“Once implemented, this line will support up to 50 daily passenger trains reaching speeds up to 110 miles an hour – providing some of the best rail service in the nation,” Malloy said. “We are underscoring our commitment to this crucial project by investing a total of $259 million in state funds to match the federal funding.”
The feds already have awarded two grants to Connecticut for Phases 1 and 2 of the project, totaling $160.9 million. The state’s match is $161 million in state bond funds.