MassDOT Secretary Jeff Mullan joined the leaders of New England's five other state Transportation Departments in Connecticut today in exploring a priority of Governor Deval Patrick: regional cooperation in enhanced transit and other transportation services.
Pictured at left: Secretary Mullan, Mike Lewis of Rhode Island, Joe Marie of Connecticut, David Dill of Vermont, David Cole of Maine, and George Campbell, New Hampshire.
Governor Patrick and the New England Governors in July announced a coordinated regional vision for high speed rail to connect major cities and airports, and support economic growth throughout the region. The Vision for the New England High Speed and Intercity Rail Network lays out key projects to strengthen passenger and freight rail service along new and existing rail corridors. The goal is to double passenger rail ridership in the Northeast by 2030.
The New England transportation chiefs held a rail summit in August 3 to work on a multi-state plan, including federal stimulus funding applications under the $8 billion High Speed and Intercity Rail portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Applications were submitted in August and October. The Massachusetts vision identified projects along four major corridors:
• Knowledge Corridor (Springfield to East Northfield)
• Inland Route
(Springfield to Boston)
• South Coast Rail (Boston to Fall River & New
Bedford)
• Downeaster Corridor (Boston to Portland, ME)
Learn more about applications for federal stimulus funds for rail initiatives here.
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