In the News

A Massachusetts freight rail line linking Vermont with Connecticut and its ocean ports received $10.8 million in federal money for upgrades this week.

The New England Central Railroad will use the federal money along with $9.6 million in state money and its own $9.6 million investment to replace 31 miles of rail and 20,000 cross ties, and to strengthen 20 bridges. The current state of the infrastructure doesn't allow for the movement of today's average freight cars, decreasing the amount of cargo that is shipped on the line.

The modernization will specifically be paid for from the $10.8 million from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program along with $9.6 million in state funding through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the $9.6 million investment from the New England Central Railroad, according to U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey.

Owned by Genessee  & Wyoming, the New England Central Railroad has 383 miles of owned or leased track including 60 miles in Massachusetts, according to its website. It runs from the Canadian border in Vermont south to New London, Connecticut, passing through Palmer, Massachusetts.

The railroad hauls commodities such as aggregates, agricultural products, automobiles, chemicals, construction debris, animal feed, food, forest products, minerals, pulp and paper, petroleum products, scrap metal and new metal products, according to its website.

Markey made Monday's announcement  along with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, also a Democrat, and U.S. Reps. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield and James McGovern, D-Worcester.

The full letter from the Massachusetts delegation advocating for the funds can be read here. 

"With this BUILD grant, we can finally close a crucial gap preventing Massachusetts producers and consumers from enjoying a more efficient, cost-effect freight network," said Markey, a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee. "This robust federal investment will create jobs and spur growth and economic activity in the region. From Worcester, to Springfield and beyond, this BUILD grant will make the region more competitive in an increasingly globalized economy."

Neal, who has long advocated for increased federal transportation investments in the region, said the modernization of the line coincides with the investments made to boost north-south rail along the same corridor. 

"As a longtime advocate of both freight and passenger rail, I am pleased that the industry continues to grow throughout New England," Neal said. "The expansion of rail has created jobs, increased economic development and helped improve the quality of life in the region. Freight carriers move tons of goods and services over our transportation network each day.

"And this $10 million federal grant will help upgrade the freight line in western Massachusetts and significantly improve our local transportation infrastructure. It also compliments the investment we have made in the north-south passenger rail from Springfield to New Haven. It's more good transportation news for the Pioneer Valley."