Rep. Courtney Announces Significant Federal Investment In Amtrak Bridge Rehabilitation And Replacement

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney announced today that Amtrak bridges across the shoreline and southeastern Connecticut rail system will receive decades overdue rehabilitation or replacement. The millions of dollars in new federal funding have been made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which Congressman Courtney supported.

In particular, the funding announced includes $10 million for the replacement of the east and west bridge spans that restrict access into Stonington Harbor. In 2005, local residents petitioned Amtrak to raise the bridges as part of the project's design so as to allow improved maritime access into and out of Stonington Harbor. While Amtrak announced in 2006 that such a change would be part of the design, the project was delayed year after year as Amtrak failed to receive adequate resources to begin the work.

"This substantial Amtrak funding makes critical investments in the future of rail service throughout southeastern Connecticut," stated Courtney. "For many residents and boaters in Stonington, they have waited patiently for the replacement and raising of the two bridges along Stonington Harbor. The decision to apply ARRA funds to get this long-stalled effort going is welcome news - and a reminder of the real impact ARRA is making throughout Connecticut. President Obama's recovery and reinvestment plan, which I supported, is bringing much need infrastructure upgrades and skilled new work at a critical and important time."

Source