WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released a statement on Thursday applauding the formal opening and ribbon-cutting of the new Meriden Train Station. Murphy touted construction of the train station and the new Hartford Line rail service, which was financed in part by three federal grants – totaling more than $191 million – in part through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Murphy has supported the rail expansion project and voted for the funding as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who made today’s grand opening of the Meriden train station possible. The Hartford Line, made possible by federal dollars, is going to better link the interior of our state to the economic power centers of New York and Boston, and it’s going to open up economic development opportunities around our state,” said Murphy.
The Hartford Line rail service, which is slated to launch in mid-June, will operate 17 trains per weekday between New Haven and Hartford, with stops in Wallingford, Meriden, and Berlin, as well as 12 trains per day between Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts. The line will provide direct or connecting service to New York City, Boston and Vermont.
Murphy has held various summits with Connecticut commuters, business owners, and transportation leaders to receive feedback on how a shorter, more reliable commute and more transit options could improve commerce, productivity, and quality of life for Connecticut residents. Last month, Murphy applauded an infrastructure plan released by Senate Democrats that would create more than 15 million jobs and strengthen Buy America requirements for all infrastructure projects. The plan calls for passage of Murphy’s bipartisan BuyAmerican.gov Act to increase transparency and ensure federal agencies prioritize the purchase of American-made goods.
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