Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced today Connecticut is getting $40 million in federal funds to go with state taxpayer dollars already earmarked to create a high-speed commuter rail line from New Haven to Hartford to Springfield.
Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry said the rail line from Springfield to St. Albans, Vt., will receive $120 million. Overall, 31 states will receive funds.
The grants are part of the $8 billion the federal government is making available for high-speed rail projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Part of Connecticut’s application was for $40 million for double-tracking a 10-mile stretch of the corridor between New Britain and Newington.
Earlier this month, the State Bond Commission, which Rell chairs, approved $26 million as part of Connecticut’s share of the double-tracking project.
 “This is great news for one of the most important and ambitious public transportation projects we have undertaken in years,” Rell said. “Indeed, this is more than a transportation project – it is an investment in Connecticut’s economy and will create a great many jobs.”
State Transportation Commissioner Joseph F. Marie is attending today’s formal announcement in Philadelphia by the Federal Rail Administration and Amtrak, Rell said.
Connecticut and Massachusetts are collaborating on the commuter rail extension.
