Millions for Rail Improvements in Hartford & West Hartford

November 22, 2024

 

Connecticut is on track to transform its railways after the federal government awarded millions of dollars to improve our public transportation system. I'll break down how this investment will be a game changer across the state.

Time is running out for anyone seeking financial help to repair damage caused by flooding in Hartford. You will find the deadline to apply for the compensation program below.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Millions for Rail Improvements
  • Time Running Out to Apply for Hartford Flooding Assistance
  • Native American Heritage Month
 
Millions for Rail Improvements

Connecticut is ready to improve its railways after receiving approximately $291 from the federal government. Some of those funds will go toward establishing a double track in Hartford and West Hartford, providing more frequent passenger service, and planning construction of a new Hartford train station.

We are investing $102 million for the Hartford Line Rail Program Double Track Project. It is for the construction of track improvements along 6.7 miles of existing track in West Hartford, Hartford, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. The improvements will create a double track along this corridor to provide more trains to Hartford and Springfield. Other improvements include track upgrades and installation, signal upgrades, and gate and road crossing upgrades.

Another $2.56 million will fund the Hartford Station Relocation Project. It is for planned construction of a new Hartford train station and multimodal hub with associated realignment and double-tracking of 2.1 miles of the Hartford Line in Hartford.

The money comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will provide $120 million, and Amtrak will contribute another $11.7 million to five rail projects across the state.
Click here for specifics on the rail projects

This game-changing investment will modernize our transportation system, making it more reliable while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Track and rail improvements will give commuters more options to move around the state, shorten travel times, as well as reduce traffic and pollution statewide.

Thank you to Connecticut’s Congressional delegation for working with the White House to secure this vital funding.

 
Time Running Out to Apply for
Hartford Flooding Assistance
You have until Monday, December 2 to apply for help in the Hartford Flood Relief and Compensation Program (HFRC). It launched in September 2023 with a $5 million budget. In June 2024, the State Comptroller’s Office and House Speaker Matt Ritter announced the program would be expanded to non-resident property and business owners and added $4 million in funding.

The HFCP has approved hundreds of applications, awarding more than $6 million to Hartford residents and business owners affected by flooding, with an average claim payout of $13,000.

Hartford residents or property owners wishing to apply can click HERE or visit Blue Hills Civic Association (Colin Bennett Building, 1229 Albany Avenue, Third Floor, Suite 306, Hartford) to obtain an application.

 
Native American Heritage Month

Connecticut’s Native communities have shaped our state’s heritage and continue to lead efforts in cultural preservation, education, and advocacy.

Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor and learn about the cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous peoples and celebrate their enduring legacies.