State Seeking Additional High-Speed Rail Money

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says his
administration is seeking $227 million in federal funding to
complete the third phase of a high-speed rail project linking New
Haven, Hartford and Springfield, Mass.

Malloy said Tuesday that the Federal Railroad Administration has
already awarded two grants to Connecticut totaling $161 million and
Connecticut has matched it with state bond money. The rail service
is expected to begin in 2016 with as many as 50 daily passenger
trains reaching speeds of up to 110 miles an hour.

The most recent application is for the third phase for
improvements such as high-level platforms to reduce passenger
boarding time, new train control system and upgraded rail crossings

Federal money is available because Florida Gov. Rick Scott
rejected about $2.4 billion for a high-speed rail project.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)