Legislators Commend Lamont For Proposed Waterbury Rail Line Funds

Press release from HDO:

Feb. 24, 2021

State Representative Geraldo Reyes (D-Waterbury) Co-Chair of the Waterbury Rail Line Caucus lauded Governor Lamont’s budget for increasing funding to the Waterbury Branch line in the '22 – '23 budget.

The biennial budget recommends $1,227,689 in funds for FY 2023 to increase the number of trains servicing the Waterbury line from 15 to 22 across weekday morning and evening peak as well as off-peak services. The Department of Transportation is also completing a $120 million capital project to allow for modern bi-directional rail service in the fast-growing Naugatuck Valley region. These proposals for expanded services align with constituent demands, as an increased number of essential workers utilized the Waterbury line throughout the pandemic.

Rep. Reyes said, "I commend Governor Lamont for supporting the Waterbury line in his biennial budget as it shows an importance for essential workers still using rail transit even during a pandemic. The significance of the rail line to the city and region has maintain its level of vitality for essential workers and travel along the Valley and can no longer be overlooked."

"Governor Lamont’s budget includes much needed and long-advocated for investments in the Waterbury branch line which will provide critical service expansion at a time when the Naugatuck Valley corridor is poised for exponential economic growth. I look forward to working with the Waterbury Rail Caucus and the Governor in support of this crucial line item," Sen. Joan Hartley said.

"The Waterbury line has always carried the greatest potential for rapid utilization and for spurring economic growth. This commitment, coupled with the capital investments we’ve made to date, is exactly what we need for the City of Waterbury & the cities and towns throughout the Valley. This investment has my strongest support and I specifically want to credit Representatives Reyes and Rochelle for their tireless advocacy.” said Rep. Roland Lemar, who serves as both the House Chair of the Transportation Committee and of the Finance Sub-Committee on Transportation Bonding.

The increase in recommended funding comes after years of advocacy and obstacles faced by the Waterbury Rail Caucus to make economically vital improvements to the Waterbury line.

"I am excited that after years of lobbying to get the Waterbury rail line expanded and meet essential workers' needs, we are finally being heard," said Rep. Reyes. "This is going to allow more connections to New York City and Boston, increasing a new economic traffic through the Naugatuck Valley. I want to thank my caucus co-chair, Representative Rosa Rebimbas (R-Naugatuck), as well as the rest of the caucus for its continued advocacy."

This press release was produced by HDO. The views expressed here are the author's own.