On March 24, I attended a conference at The Lyceum in Hartford. The subject was "Northeast Corridor: A Rail Investment Plan for the Northeast Corridor." The program was sponsored by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Rail Administration (FRA). Old Saybrook is fortunate to have an Amtrak spot. Saybrook Junction is a convenient place to get the train, whether it be Shore Line East or Amtrak. The conference was a discussion on improving the capacity and reliability of passenger rail service in the Northeast for both commuter and intercity trips.

Ultimately, the FRA is seeking to understand the impact of rail investment on the regional transportation system. The study seeks to identify "mobility options" in support of the region's population and employment growth through 2040 and to provide a foundation beyond 2040. Not only were federal representatives present at the conference, but Connecticut Commissioner of Transportation James Redeker was there as well as others from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT).

While I'm pleased that the FRA is looking at a long-term plan to upgrade the "spine" of the Northeast Corridor, Old Saybrook's train station and adjacent area needs its own work. Parking is a mess, and North Main Street needs work. I have worked closely with ConnDOT over the last two years for a solution. We have held more than six meetings in which the critical stakeholders have been present. There is a plan which has been put into action to take corrective measures. The state has noticed the owner of 10 acres of land to the west and south of the cemetery that they intend to take by eminent domain several acres for a parking lot. The parking will have at least 200 spaces and will also be able to serve 9 Town Transit and other commuter bus travel.

In conjunction with this, the town, on March 27, submitted a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) grant application. North Main Street would see a significant upgrade with additional on-street parking as well as seamless integration with the new 200 space parking lot. Sidewalks would be built and a better overall connection to Main Street would be accomplished. The LOTCIP funds are derived from federal transportation money granted to the state, which then filters down to the local government. While it sounds complicated, it is not. We are optimistic that the necessary funds will come our way. The town would pay for engineering but construction costs, which we estimate at nearly $1 million, would be covered. We will push this project as fast as we can and are hoping for a 2015 construction date.

I am well aware that there has been a lot of frustration with the situation on North Main Street. I have worked hard towards a solution and I am hopeful that one is in sight.