Norwich – Gov. Dannel P. Malloy got a first-hand look at the $22 million regional transportation center under construction near Norwich Harbor and called the project impressive with potential to attract boaters to the nearby marina, bus travelers from afar and possible future train traffic.

“I’m a big supporter of rail,” Malloy said in response to city officials’ description of new plans in discussion to enhance the Rail America line that runs from New London to the Massachusetts border and past the transportation center for stronger freight traffic and passenger service.

The Norwich City Council is voting tonight on a memorandum of understanding with several other eastern Connecticut towns to support feasibility studies for the rail project, Mayor Peter Nystrom told Malloy.

As planned, however, the three-story parking garage will become the Southeast Area Transit hub for Norwich, giving the commuter bus service indoor waiting and ticket depot for the first time. City officials are in discussions with Greyhound Bus officials to make the transportation center a regular stop. And it could be a boon to the Marina at American Wharf across the street, about to be sold to a Massachusetts developer with expansion plans.

“Is there parking for the marina if people keep their boats here?” Malloy asked.

“We certainly hope so,” said Peter Polubiatko, project manager for the Norwich Community Development Corp. overseeing the project.

“That could get you some weekend business,” the governor responded.

The transportation center is expected to be completed next spring, and Malloy can expect to receive an invitation to the grand opening, Nystrom said.

c.bessette@theday.com