Old Lyme — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder will be holding a public meeting Thursday to discuss strategies for local opposition to a controversial rail plan.

The Federal Railroad Administration announced last week that a high-speed rail bypass route through several historical southeastern Connecticut towns, including Old Saybrook, Stonington and Old Lyme, is included in its preferred plan for future rail projects in the Northeast Corridor. Many local officials and the state's congressional delegation have been outspoken critics of the plan.

"I am going to fight with every ounce of energy and power to stop this half-baked, hare-brained proposal. Make no mistake: it can and must be stopped," Blumenthal said in a release announcing the town hall meeting. "The FRA is right that we need track upgrades infrastructure improvements and faster and more reliable rail service, but that cannot come at the expense of local economic development and environmental priorities."

"I stand with Old Lyme ready to do whatever it takes to protect their historic community from this destructive plan," he said.

The meeting will be held at noon Thursday at the Old Lyme Town Hall, 52 Lyme St.