Press Releases
Neal Celebrates Nearly $70 Million in Federal Funding for Western Massachusetts Rail Projects
Springfield, MA,
October 24, 2024
Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $67.3 million in federal funding to support rail projects in western Massachusetts:
“We are reminded today just how significant an achievement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was as we celebrate nearly $70 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation coming to western Massachusetts. Just one year ago, I joined Governor Healey at Springfield Union Station to announce a $108 million CRISI grant to support West/East Rail. Today, we celebrate yet another CRISI grant totaling $36.8 million to support the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project. This funding will increase capacity and improve efficiency at Springfield Union Station, preparing for what USDOT has described as ‘anticipated growth in regional rail service.’ In other words, the reality of West/East Rail.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which was drafted in the House Ways and Means Committee under Congressman Neal’s chairmanship, marked the nation’s largest investment in infrastructure in more than six decades, with $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending. The BIL more than tripled the funding for the CRISI program, positioning the Commonwealth to receive the third largest award for FY2022 with $108 million and another $36.8 million for FY2023-2024. Thus far, Massachusetts has received more than $7 billion in funding from the BIL.
“I am also thrilled that $8.9 million is being delivered to Pioneer Valley Railroad for their Tunnel Hill Reclamation and Pioneer Valley Development Project, along with $21.6 million for Pan Am Southern’s Freight Main Line, which stretches from Ayer to North Adams and Williamstown. Given that much of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was drafted in the Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship, I am thrilled that Massachusetts’ First Congressional District continues to be a great benefactor of this historic legislation, with funds reaching every corner of my district.”
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