WASHINGTON — A rebellion that began in Old Lyme and has spread along coastal Connecticut is pressing the federal government to make big changes in an ambitious plan to bring high-speed rail to the Northeast, and to turn the proposal into merely “aspirational” recommendations.
FRA
Posted inTransportation
Feeling heat from CT, feds say they may alter high-speed rail plan
WASHINGTON — In the staredown between the Federal Railroad Administration and opponents of a part of its plan in Connecticut to bring high-speed rail to the Northeast Corridor, the federal government has blinked. It has agreed to consider additional input from those concerned about the route the plan would take in Connecticut, and more importantly, the FRA is willing to modify that plan.
Posted inTransportation
Federal rail official: ‘No elevated track’ in Old Lyme; spokesman creates doubt, but later clarifies
OLD LYME — Less than an hour after a top federal rail administrator Wednesday renewed her agency’s promise not to build an aerial rail line through Old Lyme’s historic district, a spokesman for the agency backpedaled on the statement and said it could not be ruled out entirely. The spokesman later amended his comments and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment.
Posted inTransportation
Opponents organizing to derail new route for high-speed trains
OLD LYME — As federal officials near a decision on a railroad proposal residents are calling destructive and wasteful, about 70 people from across the southeastern Connecticut’s shoreline gathered Friday with local, state and federal lawmakers at a forum at Old Lyme Town Hall to find out how they could help stop it “dead in its tracks.”
Posted inTransportation
Amtrak favors one rail overhaul plan, Old Lyme pans another
WASHINGTON – Amtrak is backing an ambitious plan proposed by the Federal Railroad Administration to overhaul rail transportation in the Northeast corridor, a proposal that would cost more than $300 billion. An alternative proposal for a new line through Old Lyme and other shoreline towns drew opposition.
Posted inPolitics
Malloy, Amtrak, feds vow progress, cooperation on Hartford Line
Washington – Gov. Dannel Malloy met with to Amtrak and federal transportation officials Thursday, and agreed to keep talking about key issues that have delayed completion of a New Haven-Hartford-Springfield line, but this time with less rancor.
Posted inPolitics
Congress debates Metro-North safety issues
Washington – Sen. Richard Blumenthal was a surprise witness Wednesday at a House hearing aimed at improving rail safety that served as a forum to discuss Metro-North’s problems.