JOHN O. MORTON BUILDING 7 HAZEN DRIVE P.O.

BOX 483 CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03302-0483

TELEPHONE: 603-271-3734 FAX: 603-271-3914 TDD: RELAY NH 1-800-735-2964 INTERNET: WWW.NHDOT.COM


THE STATE OF NEW HAM THE STATE OF NEW HAM THE STATE OF NEW HAM THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE PSHIRE PSHIRE PSHIRE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSP DEPARTMENT OF TRANSP DEPARTMENT OF TRANSP DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORTATION ORTATION ORTATION





April 18, 2014

The Honorable Anthony Foxx
Secretary of Transportation
United States Department of Transportation
West Building
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 9
th
Floor
Washington, DC 20590-9898

Dear Secretary Foxx:

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation strongly supports the Connecting Connecticut USDOT
TIGER VI application submitted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. This project will complete
the New England Central Railroad route, which has seen several years of investment by the Federal Railroad
Administration and New England Central Railroad (NECR) on the corridor. This project will enable the
completion of a through multi-state/international heavy haul rail corridor that will pass through New
Hampshire. The route also serves and connects Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut and is New
Hampshires link to Canada. The four states recognize the regional importance of this corridor and the need
to complete this work.

The Connecticut DOT application requests $8.2 million in TIGER funds to upgrade 56 miles of the New
England Central Railroad from the deep-water ocean port of New London, CT to the
Connecticut/Massachusetts state line. Although this is a Rural TIGER application, which does not require
any matching funds, the NECR is providing over $2 million in private matching funds to complete the $10.3M
project, thus demonstrating their strong commitment for these necessary improvements. This project is the
final link of a multi-year project to improve a north-south corridor and create the first 286,000 lb. capacity rail
freight route in our region. The project, once completed, will connect and complement other work previously
completed or in process within the region and enhance work that has been completed in New Hampshire. The
completed corridor will open business growth opportunities for local businesses as well as those served
through rail distribution facilities. Additionally, this line connects with two of our state-owned shortlines, which
will also benefit from this project.

The project includes the installation of continuous welded rail and supporting infrastructure upgrades such as
grade crossings and surface improvements, which will allow for an increase of the through routes weight
capacity up to 286,000 lbs. as well as increase train operating speeds. The project will also create and retain
jobs here in New Hampshire as well as in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. The completed project
will allow regional, national and international connectivity. New Hampshire is heavily dependent on safe and
efficient rail service to move heating fuels and road salt as well as providing service to our manufacturing
businesses.

Sincerely,


Christopher D. Clement, Sr.
Commissioner
CHRISTOPHER D. CLEMENT, SR.
COMMISSIONER
JEFF BRILLHART, P.E.
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
WINDHAM REGION
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS




WINCOG. 700 Main Street. Willimantic, CT 06226. Phone: (860) 456-2221. E-Mail: director@wincog.org

Chaplin Columbia Coventry Hampton Lebanon Mansfield Scotland Willington Windham



The Honorable Anthony Fox
US DOT
1200 New J ersey Ave SE
Washington DC 20590

April 9, 2014

RE: US DOT Tiger IV Grant: CTDOT New England Central Rail Corridor Upgrade


Dear Secretary Fox,

The Windham Region Council of Governments (WINCOG) is writing in support of the CTDOT Tiger Application to
upgrade the infrastructure of the New England Central Railway Corridor through Eastern CT.

As the regional planning agency representing nine towns in Eastern CT, it is a major objective to increase the use of
freight rail and decrease the amount of truck traffic on our roads. I am sure I do not need to convince you that the aging
transportation infrastructure is taking a significant toll on our economic resources and the ability to deliver goods and
services at reasonable price. In addition, this project has economic impacts from New London CT, through Eastern CT,
Massachusetts and all the way through Vermont.

Here are just a few of the benefits of this Tiger Grant:

Enhances and leverages a current CTDOT/NECR $5 million bridge and track upgrade project
Existing CT Businesses can achieve shipping efficiencies by using fully loaded rail cars
The route can relieve congestion along the Northeast Corridor
Meets the presidents goal of providing ladders of opportunities by providing additional jobs and economic
benefits
Greatly expands the capabilities of the New London Deep Water Port as well as relieving truck congestion
that will be generated by the port.

In conclusion, we sincerely seek your approval of this much needed Tiger Grant and stand ready to assist the CT DOT, the
NECR and other entities in creating a better economic environment here in Eastern Connecticut.


Sincerely,

Mark N. Paquette
Executive Director, WINCOG



Charles T. Blanchard
Town Manager Palmer Town Building
4417 Main Street
Palmer, MA 01069
Town: (413) 283-2603
Cell: (317) 667-4672
cblanchard@townofpalmer.com
April 22, 2014

The Honorable Anthony Foxx
Secretary of Transportation
United States Department of Transportation
West Building
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20590-9898

Dear Secretary Foxx:

The Town of Palmer, known as The Town of Seven Railroads would like to show our strong
support for the Connecticut Department of Transportations Connecting Connecticut USDOT
TIGER VI application.

The Town of Palmer is located on the New England Central Railroad (NECR), the subject of this
project.

Our Town has several important businesses that depend on this vital rail corridor, including
manufacturing, distribution and warehousing. In addition to the importance of rail freight service,
MASSDOT is currently conducting a study on possible future passenger rail service along this
route that could link our town with major population centers.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is requesting $8.2 million in funding to upgrade 56
miles of the New England Central Railroad from New London, CT to the
Connecticut/Massachusetts state line. The project includes new heavier continuous welded rail and
other infrastructure upgrades such as ties, crossings and surface that will leverage other
investments Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont are making in this corridor. The 2014
Massachusetts Transportation Bond Bill contains $25M in funding that can be used to upgrade the
Massachusetts section of this corridor. This TIGER grant is needed to finish the corridor.
Benefits of the project include increasing the through routes weight capacity up to the modern rail
industry standard of 286,000 lbs. and increasing train speeds. The Massachusetts State Rail Plan
rates the upgrade of this railroad for 286,000 weight capacity as a high priority. The project helps
to connect our more rural area of western Massachusetts to the North American rail transportation
Town of Palmer
Bondsville, Depot Village, Thorndike & Three Rivers


network I understand that the USDOT TIGER program does not make matching funds for Rural
applications, a requirement, the NECR is providing over $2M in matching private funds to
complete this $10.3M project.

I ask that you please give this application your serious consideration.

Sincerely,


Charles T. Blanchard,
Town Manager













April 15, 2014



The Honorable Anthony Foxx
United States Department of Transportation
1200 New J ersey Ave SE
Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Foxx:

We write to express our strong support for the Connecting Connecticut Project USDOT
TIGER VI application which is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of
Transportation to fund freight rail infrastructure improvements along the Connecticut
route of the New England Central Railroad, a regional corridor serving New England
businesses. The main element of this request would upgrade the rail system that serves
our business to accommodate 286,000 lb. freight railcars. This project will create the first
north-south heavy rail capacity corridor in Connecticut. This route provides our local rail
service. It also provides the only direct rail to water access at the deep water port of New
London, CT.

Our business, which is located along the New England Central Railroad, depends on
efficient and competitive freight rail service. Rail freight is essential to retaining our
customers, controlling the cost of our inputs, employing our workers and allowing them
opportunities for advancement, and our ability to solicit new business and their much
needed associated jobs and revenues and maintaining/expanding our facilitys
contribution to the local property tax base. As the national rail freight gross rail weight
standard has increased from 263,000 lbs. to 286,000 lbs., we are finding it more
challenging for our business. Getting this corridor upgraded will enable our company to
begin shipping/receiving the heavier rail freight loads, cease light loading railcars simply
to comply with a non-standard exception GWR and begin reaping the full economic
benefits of modern freight railroad service. As local freight rail access to rail served
facilities across North America is updated and made capable of handling the heavier
loads by TIGER grants or by similar public-private co-operation, absent any similar
update on the our route, we will continue to face competition on an increasingly un-level
playing field. Absent this project, we are finding ourselves left behind on an island,
without connectivity to the full benefits of the national rail freight network.













This project will complement and leverage other public-private projects that have been
successfully accomplished along this regional corridor. To make this application even
more competitive, the New England Central Railroad is providing a 20% private match
for this Rural TIGER VI application, even though none is required.

Sincerely,


Geoff Berwick
Director of Risk and Inventory Management
geoff@sherwoodlumber.com

cc: Senators Blumenthal & Murphy and Congressman Courtney





Secretary Anthony Foxx
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Senator Richard Blumenthal
724 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC, 20510
c/o Riju_Das@blumenthal.senate.gov
4/
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Jesse Marshall, Chairman
New London Port Authority
181 State Street
New London, CT 06320
Senator Chris Murphy
303 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
c/o J esse_Young@murphy. senate.gov
Congressman Joe Courtney
2348 Raybul'll HOB
Washington, DC 20515
c/o Jenny.Contois@mail.house.gov
RE: Department of Transportation's National Infrastructure Investments grant application, similar to NECR
TIGER VI grant, to seek Federal Government/USDOT financial assistance to upgrade NECR's CT rail line to
model'll 286K GWR capaci ty
Gentlemen:
The New London Port Authority unanimously and enthusiast ically supports the New England Central RR Grant
Applicat ion whi ch has Connecticut DOT sponsorship, seeki ng $8,253,830.00 federal dollars (plus a
$2,063.458.00 private match) for much needed incremental funding to address priority improvements in the
freight rail system.
Of particular interest to this Authority are the long needed safety and capacity improvements to New England
Central Railroad (NECR) systems that are imperative to the future of the Port of New London and Southeast
Connecticut. The NECR connects Connecticut businesses with shipping options for raw materials and finished
products via freight rail to all foul' eastel'll Class I railroads as well as providing on-dock connections at New
London to ocean and barge vessels, providing a transportation synapse to an impressive number of higher
education institutions, STEM and Defense research and development facilities, tourism, and commuters. Consider
that State Pi er is directly connected to the NECR system, our primary conduit of freight by rail.
Jesse Marshall, Chairman
Dispersing trade and passengers has always been essential to the success of New London's endeavors. Where the
Thames River meets the sea she affords wonderful deep water dockage and mooring for commercial, recreational,
transportation and defense vessels. The proposed rail improvements are a vital means for the region to fairly
capitalize on the global "Blue Highway's" potential bounty.
We need strong safe rail connections. We need improved freight capacity.
Decrepit bridges, aged jointed rail, low weight bearing capacity, etc. thwart om freighted commerce growth.
New London Port Authority is tasked to cruise fonvard with "a bone between her teeth", churning up and
suppolting every opportunity for Port improvement. Implementation of this project will enhance our facilities
and increase NLPA opportunities.
We ask that you assist Connecticut DOT's efforts in reducing t1'l1ck trips and carbon emissions, creating jobs,
providing economic growth opportunities, and improving safety measmes within the statewide freight rail system
by approving this grant request.
~
esse Marshall, Chairman
New London Port Authority
CC: Douglas G. Low, Director of Marketing & Sales, New England Central RR, A Genesee & Wyoming Company,
State Pier, New London, CT 06320
2


April 21, 2014

Secretary Anthony Foxx
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590

Secretary Foxx:

The City Center District is a business taxing district in downtown New London, CT. We enthusiastically support
the New England Central Railroad TIGER VI grant application to improve the rail line from New London to the
Massachusetts border.

Improving the NECR track capacity to handle 286,000 lb. rail cars will open many of our eastern Connecticut
municipalities to shipping and manufacturing companies that will take advantage of the access to the deep
water port in New London, the rail connections to Canada, and to points west on the CSX main line through
Massachusetts. These new businesses will create employment opportunities and add to municipal tax rolls.

Upgrading the NECR line will expand commuter rail service in eastern Connecticut. There are over 70,000
college students at universities along the line, mostly in rural districts and only accessible by automobiles.
Southeastern Connecticut, with its many vacation destinations, is the tourism capital of Connecticut. Offering
public transportation will permit this important economic industry to remain competitive for the tourism dollar.
It enhances the opportunity for New London and Norwich to become bedroom communities encouraging
further development and broadening of our tax bases.

Downtown New London has a unique transportation infrastructure. It is located on Amtraks Northeast Corridor
and is serviced by Connecticuts commuter rail line. There is ferry service to Long Island, Block Island, and
Fishers Island handling 1.5 million passengers per year. In addition, there is interstate bus service at the train
station. All these public transportation services are within a radius of 300 yards and the connection to I-95 is
one mile away. The construction of the new National Coast Guard Museum on the waterfront adjacent to the
ferry terminal and train station, with its projected annual visitors of 750,000, will require that public
transportation options are maximized.

Upgrades to the NECR track will be an important first step to ensuring New London maintains its effectiveness
as a transportation hub. We hope you view their application favorably.

Sincerely,


George Dowker
President, City Center District

PO Box 1166, New London, CT 06320
City of New London
Economic Development Commission



April 21, 2014

Secretary Anthony Foxx
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590

Senator Richard Blumenthal
724 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC, 20510

Senator Chris Murphy
303 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510

Congressman Joe Courtney
2348 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
RE: Department of Transportation's National Infrastructure Investments grant application, seeking
Federal Government/USDOT financial assistance to upgrade NECRs CT rail line to modern
286K GWR capacity.
Gentleman:
The Economic Development Commission of the City of New London supports the New England
Central RR Grant Application, seeking $8,253,830.00 federal dollars (plus a $2,063,458.00
private match) for much needed incremental funding to address improvements to the freight rail
system.
This upgrade will allow for the development of commuter rail service from Brattleboro Vermont to
New London Connecticut. This is an extremely powerful development tool for the City of New
London. The commuter service passing by key college towns and casinos will enhance the
appeal of New London as a bedroom community. This new demand will force multistory
residential development enhancing the citys tax base.
The NECR also connects Connecticut businesses with shipping options for raw materials and
finished products via freight rail to on-dock connections at the port at New London.
This grant will provide development that will reduce truck and car trips and therefore carbon
emissions; create jobs, provide economic growth opportunities, and improve safety measures for
a commuter/freight rail system.
Respectfully submitted

Elaine Stattler
Chairman
CC: Douglas G. Low, Director of Marketing & Sales, New England Central RR, State Pier, New
London, CT 06320

SouthEastern Connecticut Enterprise Region
125 Eugene ONeill Drive, Suite 309, New London, Connecticut 06320
Telephone: 860-437-4659 Facsimile: 860-437-4662
E-mail: secter@secter.org

A public-private partnership for economic development serving southeastern Connecticut and Westerly, Rhode
Island



15 April 2014

The Honorable Anthony Foxx
United States Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Foxx:

The Southeastern CT Enterprise Region (seCTer), the regional Economic Development
District for New London County CT, expresses its strong support for the Connecting
Connecticut USDOT TIGER VI Project application sponsored by the Connecticut
Department of Transportation to fund rail infrastructure improvements along our
regional corridor in eastern Connecticut. The main element of this request would
upgrade the rail system servicing New London County, and northward to the
Massachusetts line, allowing it to accommodate the North American standard 286,000
lb. freight railcars. This project will create the first northsouth heavy rail capacity
corridor in Connecticut. This route provides for local freight rail service and is viewed
as a future passenger corridor. It also provides direct on dock railtodeep water
access via State Pier in the port of New London, CT. It also connects with all four
eastern Class I railroads. These rail improvements are identified as a high priority
project for eastern CT in the 2011 Regional Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy (CEDS), recognized and endorsed by the Federal Economic Development
Agency (EDA).

seCTers business partners located along the New England Central Railroad depend on
efficient and competitive freight rail service, which is essential in providing increasing
job opportunities to our citizens and revenues to our communities. As the national rail
freight gross rail weight standard has increased from 263,000 lbs. to 286,000 lbs., we
find it ever more challenging for our businesses relying on rail to survive and expand.
A recent $5.1M publicprivate partnership between the Connecticut Department of
Transportation and the New England Central Railroad will upgrade all of the bridges
along this route. This proposed TIGER project will complement this State/Railroad
investment and will allow completion of the corridor. Without access to a modern rail
corridor, we will continue to face mounting competition on an increasingly unlevel
playing field. Absent this project, we will find ourselves isolated and without
connectivity to the full benefits of the national rail freight network.

A public-private partnership for economic development serving southeastern Connecticut and Westerly, Rhode
Island

The TIGER funding to accomplish this project will complement and leverage over $90M
in other publicprivate projects that have been successfully completed or scheduled
along the regional corridor in VT, NH, MA and CT. To make this application even more
competitive, the New England Central Railroad is providing a 20% private match for
the Rural TIGER IV application, even though none is required. We urge your favorable
approval of the federal funding to move this important project forward, ensuring
healthy businesses and expanding job opportunities for Eastern CT.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

C. Stephen MacKenzie
Executive Director

cc: Congressman Joseph Courtney District 2;
Senator Christopher Murphy;
Senator Richard Blumenthal;
CT Governor Dannel Malloy






The Chamber of Commerce, Inc, Windham Region
1010 Main Street, PO Box 43, Willimantic, CT 06226 860.423.6389 Fax 860.423.8235
www.WindhamChamber.com info@WindhamChamber.com














Regional
Leaders:

AT&T

CL&P

First Niagara
Bank

Golden
Acorn
Studios

Liberty Bank

Logistics
Consulting

People's
United Bank

Savings
Institute
Bank & Trust

WILI








The Honorable Anthony Foxx
United States Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Foxx:

We would like to express our strong support for the Connecting Connecticut USDOT TIGER VI Project
application which is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Transportation to fund rail
infrastructure improvements along our regional corridor in Connecticut. The main element of this
request would upgrade the rail system that serves the fifteen communities of the Windham Region to
accommodate the North American standard 286,000 lb. freight railcars. This project will create the first
north-south heavy rail capacity corridor in Connecticut. This route provides our local rail service. It also
provides direct on dock rail to water access at the deep water port of New London, CT and connects with
all four eastern Class I railroads.

Our businesses and the associated jobs located along the New England Central Railroad, depend on
efficient and competitive freight rail service. Rail freight is essential to allowing our citizens increasing
employment opportunities, retaining our businesses and our ability to solicit new business and their
much needed associated jobs and revenues. As the national rail freight gross rail weight standard has
increased from 263,000 lbs. to 286,000 lbs., we are finding it more challenging for our businesses to
survive and expand. A recent $5.1M public-private partnership between the Connecticut Department of
Transportation and the New England Central Railroad will upgrade all of the bridges along this route.
This TIGER project will complement and allow completion of the corridor. Without access to a modern
rail corridor, we will continue to face mounting competition on an increasingly un-level playing field.
Absent this project, we are finding ourselves left behind on an island, without connectivity to the full
benefits of the national rail freight network.

This project will complement and leverage over $90M in other public-private projects that have been
successfully accomplished or scheduled along this regional corridor in VT, NH, MA and CT. To make this
application even more competitive, the New England Central Railroad is providing a 20% private match
for this Rural TIGER IV application, even though none is required.

Sincerely,



Diane Nadeau
President & CEO
The Chamber of Commerce, Inc, Windham Region

cc: Senator Blumenthal
Congressman Courtney