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| State Rep. Kara Rochelle |
“The Waterbury Train Line has a huge economic impact on the people of Ansonia and Derby even if they do not ride the trains. Increased service brings about transit-oriented development and increases property value, both of which grow the grand list and increase the potential that local city leaders could
lower local property taxes. Trains mean development, larger grand lists, lower taxes, and more jobs if we all work together to make it happen,” said Rochelle. “While I am encouraged that the Department of Transportation recently sent out an RFI for leasing trains for mid-2022, when the passing
sidings and positive train control currently being created are completed for our tracks, we need our new,
permanent trains ordered, stations updated, and other rail line resources to ensure that our district and our region can reach the next stage of its revitalization. I’ve fought hard for this issue and will continue to fight as it is so critical for the lives and wallets of all residents.”
Rochelle plans to testify during the public hearing and has reached out to Ansonia and Derby
mayors, President and CEO of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Bill Purcell, Griffin Hospital
President and CEO Patrick Charmel, President and CEO of TEAM Inc. David Morgan, Chairman of the
Connecticut Commuter Rail Association Jim Gildea, and other community stakeholders inviting them to
submit testimony or join her in Hartford.
The public hearing will begin at 11 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.
Residents can submit testimony via email to TRAtestimony@cga.ct.gov.
Those who wish to testify in-person are asked to submit 55 copies of their written testimony to Committee staff in Room 2300 of the LOB during the speaker sign up, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Speaker order will be determined by a lottery system. Interested individuals can find more information about testifying during public hearings on the Connecticut General Assembly web site here.
This is the second time Rochelle will testify on this issue.
During the 2019 legislative session, Rochelle testified before the Transportation Committee in support of similar legislation.
Prior to the public hearing, the Waterbury Rail Line Caucus will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 1B.
Members will discuss their proposal, which seeks to modernize rail transit in Naugatuck Valley and address congestion on state highways.
The public hearing will begin at 11 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.
Residents can submit testimony via email to TRAtestimony@cga.ct.gov.
Those who wish to testify in-person are asked to submit 55 copies of their written testimony to Committee staff in Room 2300 of the LOB during the speaker sign up, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Speaker order will be determined by a lottery system. Interested individuals can find more information about testifying during public hearings on the Connecticut General Assembly web site here.
This is the second time Rochelle will testify on this issue.
During the 2019 legislative session, Rochelle testified before the Transportation Committee in support of similar legislation.
Prior to the public hearing, the Waterbury Rail Line Caucus will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 1B.
Members will discuss their proposal, which seeks to modernize rail transit in Naugatuck Valley and address congestion on state highways.
This is a press release from Rochelle's office.
