THE STATE OF NEW HAM THE STATE OF NEW HAM THE STATE OF NEW HAM THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE PSHIRE PSHIRE PSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSP DEPARTMENT OF TRANSP DEPARTMENT OF TRANSP DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORTATION ORTATION ORTATION
April 18, 2014
The Honorable Anthony Foxx Secretary of Transportation United States Department of Transportation West Building 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 9 th Floor Washington, DC 20590-9898
Dear Secretary Foxx:
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation strongly supports the Connecting Connecticut USDOT TIGER VI application submitted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. This project will complete the New England Central Railroad route, which has seen several years of investment by the Federal Railroad Administration and New England Central Railroad (NECR) on the corridor. This project will enable the completion of a through multi-state/international heavy haul rail corridor that will pass through New Hampshire. The route also serves and connects Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut and is New Hampshires link to Canada. The four states recognize the regional importance of this corridor and the need to complete this work.
The Connecticut DOT application requests $8.2 million in TIGER funds to upgrade 56 miles of the New England Central Railroad from the deep-water ocean port of New London, CT to the Connecticut/Massachusetts state line. Although this is a Rural TIGER application, which does not require any matching funds, the NECR is providing over $2 million in private matching funds to complete the $10.3M project, thus demonstrating their strong commitment for these necessary improvements. This project is the final link of a multi-year project to improve a north-south corridor and create the first 286,000 lb. capacity rail freight route in our region. The project, once completed, will connect and complement other work previously completed or in process within the region and enhance work that has been completed in New Hampshire. The completed corridor will open business growth opportunities for local businesses as well as those served through rail distribution facilities. Additionally, this line connects with two of our state-owned shortlines, which will also benefit from this project.
The project includes the installation of continuous welded rail and supporting infrastructure upgrades such as grade crossings and surface improvements, which will allow for an increase of the through routes weight capacity up to 286,000 lbs. as well as increase train operating speeds. The project will also create and retain jobs here in New Hampshire as well as in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. The completed project will allow regional, national and international connectivity. New Hampshire is heavily dependent on safe and efficient rail service to move heating fuels and road salt as well as providing service to our manufacturing businesses.
Sincerely,
Christopher D. Clement, Sr. Commissioner CHRISTOPHER D. CLEMENT, SR. COMMISSIONER JEFF BRILLHART, P.E. ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER WINDHAM REGION COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Chaplin Columbia Coventry Hampton Lebanon Mansfield Scotland Willington Windham
The Honorable Anthony Fox US DOT 1200 New J ersey Ave SE Washington DC 20590
April 9, 2014
RE: US DOT Tiger IV Grant: CTDOT New England Central Rail Corridor Upgrade
Dear Secretary Fox,
The Windham Region Council of Governments (WINCOG) is writing in support of the CTDOT Tiger Application to upgrade the infrastructure of the New England Central Railway Corridor through Eastern CT.
As the regional planning agency representing nine towns in Eastern CT, it is a major objective to increase the use of freight rail and decrease the amount of truck traffic on our roads. I am sure I do not need to convince you that the aging transportation infrastructure is taking a significant toll on our economic resources and the ability to deliver goods and services at reasonable price. In addition, this project has economic impacts from New London CT, through Eastern CT, Massachusetts and all the way through Vermont.
Here are just a few of the benefits of this Tiger Grant:
Enhances and leverages a current CTDOT/NECR $5 million bridge and track upgrade project Existing CT Businesses can achieve shipping efficiencies by using fully loaded rail cars The route can relieve congestion along the Northeast Corridor Meets the presidents goal of providing ladders of opportunities by providing additional jobs and economic benefits Greatly expands the capabilities of the New London Deep Water Port as well as relieving truck congestion that will be generated by the port.
In conclusion, we sincerely seek your approval of this much needed Tiger Grant and stand ready to assist the CT DOT, the NECR and other entities in creating a better economic environment here in Eastern Connecticut.
Sincerely,
Mark N. Paquette Executive Director, WINCOG
Charles T. Blanchard Town Manager Palmer Town Building 4417 Main Street Palmer, MA 01069 Town: (413) 283-2603 Cell: (317) 667-4672 cblanchard@townofpalmer.com April 22, 2014
The Honorable Anthony Foxx Secretary of Transportation United States Department of Transportation West Building 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 9th Floor Washington, DC 20590-9898
Dear Secretary Foxx:
The Town of Palmer, known as The Town of Seven Railroads would like to show our strong support for the Connecticut Department of Transportations Connecting Connecticut USDOT TIGER VI application.
The Town of Palmer is located on the New England Central Railroad (NECR), the subject of this project.
Our Town has several important businesses that depend on this vital rail corridor, including manufacturing, distribution and warehousing. In addition to the importance of rail freight service, MASSDOT is currently conducting a study on possible future passenger rail service along this route that could link our town with major population centers.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is requesting $8.2 million in funding to upgrade 56 miles of the New England Central Railroad from New London, CT to the Connecticut/Massachusetts state line. The project includes new heavier continuous welded rail and other infrastructure upgrades such as ties, crossings and surface that will leverage other investments Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont are making in this corridor. The 2014 Massachusetts Transportation Bond Bill contains $25M in funding that can be used to upgrade the Massachusetts section of this corridor. This TIGER grant is needed to finish the corridor. Benefits of the project include increasing the through routes weight capacity up to the modern rail industry standard of 286,000 lbs. and increasing train speeds. The Massachusetts State Rail Plan rates the upgrade of this railroad for 286,000 weight capacity as a high priority. The project helps to connect our more rural area of western Massachusetts to the North American rail transportation Town of Palmer Bondsville, Depot Village, Thorndike & Three Rivers
network I understand that the USDOT TIGER program does not make matching funds for Rural applications, a requirement, the NECR is providing over $2M in matching private funds to complete this $10.3M project.
I ask that you please give this application your serious consideration.
Sincerely,
Charles T. Blanchard, Town Manager
April 15, 2014
The Honorable Anthony Foxx United States Department of Transportation 1200 New J ersey Ave SE Washington, DC 20590
Dear Secretary Foxx:
We write to express our strong support for the Connecting Connecticut Project USDOT TIGER VI application which is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Transportation to fund freight rail infrastructure improvements along the Connecticut route of the New England Central Railroad, a regional corridor serving New England businesses. The main element of this request would upgrade the rail system that serves our business to accommodate 286,000 lb. freight railcars. This project will create the first north-south heavy rail capacity corridor in Connecticut. This route provides our local rail service. It also provides the only direct rail to water access at the deep water port of New London, CT.
Our business, which is located along the New England Central Railroad, depends on efficient and competitive freight rail service. Rail freight is essential to retaining our customers, controlling the cost of our inputs, employing our workers and allowing them opportunities for advancement, and our ability to solicit new business and their much needed associated jobs and revenues and maintaining/expanding our facilitys contribution to the local property tax base. As the national rail freight gross rail weight standard has increased from 263,000 lbs. to 286,000 lbs., we are finding it more challenging for our business. Getting this corridor upgraded will enable our company to begin shipping/receiving the heavier rail freight loads, cease light loading railcars simply to comply with a non-standard exception GWR and begin reaping the full economic benefits of modern freight railroad service. As local freight rail access to rail served facilities across North America is updated and made capable of handling the heavier loads by TIGER grants or by similar public-private co-operation, absent any similar update on the our route, we will continue to face competition on an increasingly un-level playing field. Absent this project, we are finding ourselves left behind on an island, without connectivity to the full benefits of the national rail freight network.
This project will complement and leverage other public-private projects that have been successfully accomplished along this regional corridor. To make this application even more competitive, the New England Central Railroad is providing a 20% private match for this Rural TIGER VI application, even though none is required.
Sincerely,
Geoff Berwick Director of Risk and Inventory Management geoff@sherwoodlumber.com
cc: Senators Blumenthal & Murphy and Congressman Courtney
Secretary Anthony Foxx U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 Senator Richard Blumenthal 724 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC, 20510 c/o Riju_Das@blumenthal.senate.gov 4/ 22 / 2 0 1 4 ", ( .... ~ .... c ~ ; ;1 ; ~ ~ 'i ~ ; ~ t Jesse Marshall, Chairman New London Port Authority 181 State Street New London, CT 06320 Senator Chris Murphy 303 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 c/o J esse_Young@murphy. senate.gov Congressman Joe Courtney 2348 Raybul'll HOB Washington, DC 20515 c/o Jenny.Contois@mail.house.gov RE: Department of Transportation's National Infrastructure Investments grant application, similar to NECR TIGER VI grant, to seek Federal Government/USDOT financial assistance to upgrade NECR's CT rail line to model'll 286K GWR capaci ty Gentlemen: The New London Port Authority unanimously and enthusiast ically supports the New England Central RR Grant Applicat ion whi ch has Connecticut DOT sponsorship, seeki ng $8,253,830.00 federal dollars (plus a $2,063.458.00 private match) for much needed incremental funding to address priority improvements in the freight rail system. Of particular interest to this Authority are the long needed safety and capacity improvements to New England Central Railroad (NECR) systems that are imperative to the future of the Port of New London and Southeast Connecticut. The NECR connects Connecticut businesses with shipping options for raw materials and finished products via freight rail to all foul' eastel'll Class I railroads as well as providing on-dock connections at New London to ocean and barge vessels, providing a transportation synapse to an impressive number of higher education institutions, STEM and Defense research and development facilities, tourism, and commuters. Consider that State Pi er is directly connected to the NECR system, our primary conduit of freight by rail. Jesse Marshall, Chairman Dispersing trade and passengers has always been essential to the success of New London's endeavors. Where the Thames River meets the sea she affords wonderful deep water dockage and mooring for commercial, recreational, transportation and defense vessels. The proposed rail improvements are a vital means for the region to fairly capitalize on the global "Blue Highway's" potential bounty. We need strong safe rail connections. We need improved freight capacity. Decrepit bridges, aged jointed rail, low weight bearing capacity, etc. thwart om freighted commerce growth. New London Port Authority is tasked to cruise fonvard with "a bone between her teeth", churning up and suppolting every opportunity for Port improvement. Implementation of this project will enhance our facilities and increase NLPA opportunities. We ask that you assist Connecticut DOT's efforts in reducing t1'l1ck trips and carbon emissions, creating jobs, providing economic growth opportunities, and improving safety measmes within the statewide freight rail system by approving this grant request. ~ esse Marshall, Chairman New London Port Authority CC: Douglas G. Low, Director of Marketing & Sales, New England Central RR, A Genesee & Wyoming Company, State Pier, New London, CT 06320 2
April 21, 2014
Secretary Anthony Foxx U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE Washington, DC 20590
Secretary Foxx:
The City Center District is a business taxing district in downtown New London, CT. We enthusiastically support the New England Central Railroad TIGER VI grant application to improve the rail line from New London to the Massachusetts border.
Improving the NECR track capacity to handle 286,000 lb. rail cars will open many of our eastern Connecticut municipalities to shipping and manufacturing companies that will take advantage of the access to the deep water port in New London, the rail connections to Canada, and to points west on the CSX main line through Massachusetts. These new businesses will create employment opportunities and add to municipal tax rolls.
Upgrading the NECR line will expand commuter rail service in eastern Connecticut. There are over 70,000 college students at universities along the line, mostly in rural districts and only accessible by automobiles. Southeastern Connecticut, with its many vacation destinations, is the tourism capital of Connecticut. Offering public transportation will permit this important economic industry to remain competitive for the tourism dollar. It enhances the opportunity for New London and Norwich to become bedroom communities encouraging further development and broadening of our tax bases.
Downtown New London has a unique transportation infrastructure. It is located on Amtraks Northeast Corridor and is serviced by Connecticuts commuter rail line. There is ferry service to Long Island, Block Island, and Fishers Island handling 1.5 million passengers per year. In addition, there is interstate bus service at the train station. All these public transportation services are within a radius of 300 yards and the connection to I-95 is one mile away. The construction of the new National Coast Guard Museum on the waterfront adjacent to the ferry terminal and train station, with its projected annual visitors of 750,000, will require that public transportation options are maximized.
Upgrades to the NECR track will be an important first step to ensuring New London maintains its effectiveness as a transportation hub. We hope you view their application favorably.
Sincerely,
George Dowker President, City Center District
PO Box 1166, New London, CT 06320 City of New London Economic Development Commission
April 21, 2014
Secretary Anthony Foxx U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590
Senator Richard Blumenthal 724 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC, 20510
Senator Chris Murphy 303 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510
Congressman Joe Courtney 2348 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 RE: Department of Transportation's National Infrastructure Investments grant application, seeking Federal Government/USDOT financial assistance to upgrade NECRs CT rail line to modern 286K GWR capacity. Gentleman: The Economic Development Commission of the City of New London supports the New England Central RR Grant Application, seeking $8,253,830.00 federal dollars (plus a $2,063,458.00 private match) for much needed incremental funding to address improvements to the freight rail system. This upgrade will allow for the development of commuter rail service from Brattleboro Vermont to New London Connecticut. This is an extremely powerful development tool for the City of New London. The commuter service passing by key college towns and casinos will enhance the appeal of New London as a bedroom community. This new demand will force multistory residential development enhancing the citys tax base. The NECR also connects Connecticut businesses with shipping options for raw materials and finished products via freight rail to on-dock connections at the port at New London. This grant will provide development that will reduce truck and car trips and therefore carbon emissions; create jobs, provide economic growth opportunities, and improve safety measures for a commuter/freight rail system. Respectfully submitted
Elaine Stattler Chairman CC: Douglas G. Low, Director of Marketing & Sales, New England Central RR, State Pier, New London, CT 06320
SouthEastern Connecticut Enterprise Region 125 Eugene ONeill Drive, Suite 309, New London, Connecticut 06320 Telephone: 860-437-4659 Facsimile: 860-437-4662 E-mail: secter@secter.org
A public-private partnership for economic development serving southeastern Connecticut and Westerly, Rhode Island
15 April 2014
The Honorable Anthony Foxx United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave SE Washington, DC 20590
Dear Secretary Foxx:
The Southeastern CT Enterprise Region (seCTer), the regional Economic Development District for New London County CT, expresses its strong support for the Connecting Connecticut USDOT TIGER VI Project application sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Transportation to fund rail infrastructure improvements along our regional corridor in eastern Connecticut. The main element of this request would upgrade the rail system servicing New London County, and northward to the Massachusetts line, allowing it to accommodate the North American standard 286,000 lb. freight railcars. This project will create the first northsouth heavy rail capacity corridor in Connecticut. This route provides for local freight rail service and is viewed as a future passenger corridor. It also provides direct on dock railtodeep water access via State Pier in the port of New London, CT. It also connects with all four eastern Class I railroads. These rail improvements are identified as a high priority project for eastern CT in the 2011 Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), recognized and endorsed by the Federal Economic Development Agency (EDA).
seCTers business partners located along the New England Central Railroad depend on efficient and competitive freight rail service, which is essential in providing increasing job opportunities to our citizens and revenues to our communities. As the national rail freight gross rail weight standard has increased from 263,000 lbs. to 286,000 lbs., we find it ever more challenging for our businesses relying on rail to survive and expand. A recent $5.1M publicprivate partnership between the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the New England Central Railroad will upgrade all of the bridges along this route. This proposed TIGER project will complement this State/Railroad investment and will allow completion of the corridor. Without access to a modern rail corridor, we will continue to face mounting competition on an increasingly unlevel playing field. Absent this project, we will find ourselves isolated and without connectivity to the full benefits of the national rail freight network.
A public-private partnership for economic development serving southeastern Connecticut and Westerly, Rhode Island
The TIGER funding to accomplish this project will complement and leverage over $90M in other publicprivate projects that have been successfully completed or scheduled along the regional corridor in VT, NH, MA and CT. To make this application even more competitive, the New England Central Railroad is providing a 20% private match for the Rural TIGER IV application, even though none is required. We urge your favorable approval of the federal funding to move this important project forward, ensuring healthy businesses and expanding job opportunities for Eastern CT.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
C. Stephen MacKenzie Executive Director
cc: Congressman Joseph Courtney District 2; Senator Christopher Murphy; Senator Richard Blumenthal; CT Governor Dannel Malloy
The Chamber of Commerce, Inc, Windham Region 1010 Main Street, PO Box 43, Willimantic, CT 06226 860.423.6389 Fax 860.423.8235 www.WindhamChamber.com info@WindhamChamber.com
Regional Leaders:
AT&T
CL&P
First Niagara Bank
Golden Acorn Studios
Liberty Bank
Logistics Consulting
People's United Bank
Savings Institute Bank & Trust
WILI
The Honorable Anthony Foxx United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave SE Washington, DC 20590
Dear Secretary Foxx:
We would like to express our strong support for the Connecting Connecticut USDOT TIGER VI Project application which is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Transportation to fund rail infrastructure improvements along our regional corridor in Connecticut. The main element of this request would upgrade the rail system that serves the fifteen communities of the Windham Region to accommodate the North American standard 286,000 lb. freight railcars. This project will create the first north-south heavy rail capacity corridor in Connecticut. This route provides our local rail service. It also provides direct on dock rail to water access at the deep water port of New London, CT and connects with all four eastern Class I railroads.
Our businesses and the associated jobs located along the New England Central Railroad, depend on efficient and competitive freight rail service. Rail freight is essential to allowing our citizens increasing employment opportunities, retaining our businesses and our ability to solicit new business and their much needed associated jobs and revenues. As the national rail freight gross rail weight standard has increased from 263,000 lbs. to 286,000 lbs., we are finding it more challenging for our businesses to survive and expand. A recent $5.1M public-private partnership between the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the New England Central Railroad will upgrade all of the bridges along this route. This TIGER project will complement and allow completion of the corridor. Without access to a modern rail corridor, we will continue to face mounting competition on an increasingly un-level playing field. Absent this project, we are finding ourselves left behind on an island, without connectivity to the full benefits of the national rail freight network.
This project will complement and leverage over $90M in other public-private projects that have been successfully accomplished or scheduled along this regional corridor in VT, NH, MA and CT. To make this application even more competitive, the New England Central Railroad is providing a 20% private match for this Rural TIGER IV application, even though none is required.
Sincerely,
Diane Nadeau President & CEO The Chamber of Commerce, Inc, Windham Region