The bipartisan infrastructure package, or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides $12 billion over five years to advance intercity passenger rail projects that create new service, enhance service, or restore former service in unserved and underserved communities such as those in Western Massachusetts. The bill includes language from Senator Markey’s BRAIN TRAIN Act, legislation that would advance intercity passenger rail projects across the Northeast Corridor, including East-West Rail in Massachusetts.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to applaud and thank Senator Markey for coming out to Springfield to give his press conference. I cannot think of a more suitable location to discuss and support this vital and much-needed legislation than at our very own historic Union Station. As we talk about infrastructure projects, the federal funding allocated in this bill would greatly enhance what my administration has been champion for – local economic development projects and that good four letter word, ‘JOBS’. Not only would the funding be utilized for roads and bridges, but also for economic development opportunities and aspects and what we here in Western Massachusetts have been striving to see to fruition, the East / West Rail that will connect Springfield to Worcester and Boston, and will have numerous spinoff efforts that would greatly benefit not just our Springfield but the region of Western Massachusetts. I am looking forward to working with Congressman Richard Neal as the House of Representatives now begins discussions on this federal bill.”
“You know, when you look at the recent ARPA and now Infrastructure legislation, there has not been such a massive investment on these fronts since ‘The New Deal’ of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (D – 1930’s) and President/General Dwight D. Eisenhower (R – 1050’s),” Mayor Sarno added.
Senator Markey stated, “As everyone fighting for East-West rail knows, passenger rail is an essential ingredient for a healthy economy, a healthy environment, and a healthy workforce. Yet communities like Springfield, Pittsfield, and towns throughout the Berkshires have been denied these transformational investments for far too long. Fortunately, this new program will allow us to finally give us the funding and tools to develop an East-West Rail line, alongside a larger network that connects every part of Massachusetts to the businesses, workers, and opportunities that make up our world-renowned regional innovation economy.”
State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representatives Carlos Gonzales, Brian Ashe, Jacob Oliveira and Orlando Ramos, City Councilor Jess Lederman, Patrick Beaudry from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and Karen Christensen from the Western Mass Rail Coalition were also present.
