March 3, 2021

Rep. Klarides-Ditria Submits Testimony in Support of SB 576, Expansion of the Waterbury Rail Line

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Chairman Lemar, Vice-Chairs Cassano and Simms, Ranking Members Carney and Somers, and Distinguished Members of the Transportation Committee, I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to testify on SB 576: AN ACT CONCERNING THE EXPANSION OF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE ON THE WATERBURY BRANCH OF THE METRO-NORTH COMMUTER RAILROAD.

This proposal will help us to expand passenger rail service on the Waterbury branch of the Metro-North Commuter Railroad, by amending section 13b-79p of the general statutes to require the Commissioner of Transportation to increase the number and frequency of trains running on the Waterbury branch line of the Metro-North Commuter Railroad, and to add stops in the towns of Seymour, Shelton and Derby.

This crucial expansion project will greatly improve the economic viability and overall attractiveness of the Naugatuck Valley and the surrounding towns. The expanded rail service will help usher in new businesses and opportunities and to provide better transportation services, safety and security for commuters.

The Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad will be undertaking a capital improvement program for the Waterbury Branch Line to provide capacity for additional train service, improved service reliability, and to meet the Federal requirements for positive train control (PTC). These systems are important to help prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zones, and movements of trains through switches that have been left in the wrong position. Specifically, this work includes signal and communications upgrades, track improvements, rail siding installation (to allow trains to pass), and bridge repairs to three major rail bridges in Derby, Seymour, and Naugatuck.

The Department of Transportation anticipates this work to be complete by the end of 2021. The incremental cost of expanding commuter and intercity passenger rail service is eligible for Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds at 80%. The funding outlined in the Governor’s budget represents the state’s share and would provide funding of $1,227,689 in FY 23 to leverage the completion of capital projects on the Waterbury Branch Line by increasing the number of trains servicing the line from 15 to 22 on weekdays and from 12 to 15 on weekends.

We can not move our state forward without the proper infrastructure in place. Economic growth favors states that have a robust transportation system. This funding is one of the best ways we can invest in the future of our state’s economy.

We would like to urge the committee to pass SB 576 and bring your attention to this crucial project and its importance for our state’s future. We implore the committee to vote favorably on this proposal.