Rell To Seek More Funds For Conn. Rail Project

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Gov. M. Jodi Rell is asking the U.S. Secretary of Transportation for $100 million in additional federal funding for the state's high-speed rail project.

In a letter to Secretary Ray LaHood, released on Saturday, Rell said the state last month was awarded $120 million in federal grant funds for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield, Mass. rail line. However, Connecticut had originally requested $220 million.

Rell asked LaHood to consider shifting funds from Ohio and Wisconsin, where incoming governors have indicated they don't plan to pursue their rail projects.

Connecticut has already allocated $282 million in state funds to the project, including its match of the federal funds. The plan ultimately calls for a high-speed, intercity rail service on the
62-mile line within five years.

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