Press Releases

Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement after the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2025-2029 five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which includes $123 million to advance West-East Rail.

“I am very pleased with this announcement and the steady progress we continue to make in bringing West-East Rail to fruition. I have been in frequent communication with Governor Healey and Secretary Tibbits-Nutt, advocating for this project and ensuring it is a priority for the Healey-Driscoll administration. After yet another announcement in what has been a series of substantial investments from the Governor and her team, it is clear that they are all in.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that came from the Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship was one of our nation’s greatest undertakings in decades – $1.2 trillion to improve all facets of American infrastructure, including rail. I am pleased that the Healey-Driscoll administration has continued to pursue these federal dollars, and as a result, the Commonwealth has been a great benefactor of this historic legislation.

“West-East Rail is a significant undertaking, but not to miss the point that we have made great strides in recent years; beginning with the reopening of Springfield Union Station in 2017 and most recently with the $108 million CRISI grant that I announced with Governor Healey last fall, our progress has been tremendous.

“The reality of West-East Rail is happening right before our eyes.”

More information about the FY25-29 CIP can be found here.

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