Transportation Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5423
AN ACT CONCERNING THE EXPANSION OF PASSENGER TRAIN AND
Title: GROUND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN EASTERN CONNECTICUT.
Vote Date: 3/26/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/19/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Rep. Christine Conley, 40th Dist.; Sen. Norman Needleman, 33rd Dist.; Sen. Catherine A.
Osten, 19th Dist.; Rep. Brian T. Smith, 48th Dist.; Rep. Joe de la Cruz, 41st Dist.; Rep.
Susan M. Johnson, 49th Dist.; Rep. Anthony L. Nolan, 39th Dist.; Rep. Emmett D. Riley, 46th
Dist.; Rep. Kevin Ryan, 139th Dist.; Rep. Travis Simms, 140th Dist.; Rep. David Michel,
146th Dist.; Sen. Heather S. Somers, 18th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
To study the expansion of passenger train and ground transportation services in the eastern
region of the state.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
State of Connecticut Department of Transportation
The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation presented and submitted testimony
on this bill, in which it offered comments on the legislation. Said comments are as follows:
"Additional funding would be required for the Department to conduct a feasibility study and
operational plan as outlined in the bill. Information on market opportunities, infrastructure
capabilities and operating alternatives would need to be obtained and analyzed. The study
would further require the Department to work with Amtrak, owner of the Northeast Corridor in
eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island, as well as Rhode Island and Massachusetts officials
to identify the opportunities associated with expanded rail service."
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Suzanne Ellery; Groton Labs Site Affairs Lead, Pfizer Inc.
Suzanne Ellery presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of Pfizer.
The testimony states that "train service with a rail stop in the City of Groton in close proximity
to our Research and Development site will ease the commute burden on our existing
employees," and that "the project would significantly reduce congestion on Interstate 95 and
also make travel easier to our sister sites in New Haven and New York." The text concludes
with noting the allure expanded train service would have on potential hires.
Betsy Gara, Executive Director of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns
Betsy Gara presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of COST. The
testimony states that "extending Shore Line East to other regions in Eastern Connecticut
would be a valuable tool in attracting employees and visitors to the towns in this region," and
that rail service has been proven to provide residents and visitors with transportation options
while reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
Charles J. Rothenberger, Climate & Energy Attorney for Save the Sound
Charles J. Rothenberger presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of
Save the Sound. The testimony states that "[the bill] recognizes the vital role that eastern
Connecticut plays in the states economy as well as the need for a deliberate and focused
plan to improve transportation options in the region," then offers a summary of what the bill
would provide. The text concludes by attesting that the bill is critical to combat past under-
investment in the regionnoting Electric Boats increase in its workforce and the development
of the New London State Pier to support the construction of Connecticuts Revolution Wind
offshore wind projectsthen states that the proposal is proactive solution to the potentially
adverse consequences of growing economic development, most notable traffic congestion
and the consequential heightening of carbon emissions.
Susan Adams, Government Liaison for Electric Boat
Susan Adams presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of Electric
Boat. The testimony notes that Electric boat "anticipates adding 2000 jobs in the next 5
years," and that extended rail service would offer employees much needed commuting
opportunities, as most employees commute in single occupancy vehicles, which causes
parking issues and congestion. The text concludes by stating that the bill would also support
economic development in the region and provide employees with recreation activities after
work.
Rep. Christine Conley, 40th Assembly District of Connecticut (Co-Signed by 5 Other
Representatives)
Representative Christine Conley, as well as 5 other representatives, presented and submitted
testimony in support of this bill. The testimony references the issues of traffic congestion and
carbon emissions, while noting the opportunities for economic development this bill would
bring and the rise in ridership growth our railways experienced before the pandemic. In
reference to the M8 locomotives, the text states as follows: "Not only are these railcars more
environmentally-friendly than their diesel-powered alternatives, they are quieter, safer, more
comfortable, and can accommodate the addition of single cars to adapt to increases in
ridership," before adding that "even if it were determined that electric railcars were not
feasible for these new lines, reducing the number of cars on the road is always a positive
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development." The testimony concludes with a statistical analysis of locomotive carbon
emission versus that of automobiles, and by offering a reiteration of their support of this bill.
Jim Gildea, Chairman of the Connecticut Commuter Rail Council
Jim Gildea presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the CCRC.
The testimony references the issues of traffic congestion and carbon emissions, while noting
the opportunities for economic development this bill would bring and the impending job
increase we will see with Electric Boat. The text describes two potential components to
expanded rail service: 1. The extension of the Shore Line East (SLE) passenger service, and
2. The establishment of "a new CT Rail commuter shuttle service using existing Providence
and Worcester Railroad (P&W) (now the Genessee and Wyoming Railroad) tracks that run
along the east bank of the Thames River connecting Pfizer, Electric Boat and the U.S. Navy
Submarine Base." The council concludes by noting that 80% of EB employees live outside of
Groton and New London, and reiterating the detriment of carbon emissions as well as their
support for the study.
Nancy Codeanne, Chair for the Town of Groton Housing Authority
Nancy Codeanne presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the
Town of Groton Housing Authority. The testimony notes that "with the creation of new
housing complexes in Groton and limited accessibility to public transportation, the extension
of the Shore Line East line would not only provide convenient commuter services but would
provide the citizens of Groton and other towns east of the Thames River, a vital link to other
communities in Connecticut and beyond," then concludes by noting that safe transportation
links are vital for the elderly and disabled.
Zell Steever, Chairman of the Groton Resiliency and Sustainability Task Force
Zell Steever presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the
GRSTF. The first half of the testimony is identical to that of Jim Gildea's. The second half of
the testimony offers legislative language for three "key provisions" that the task force
recommends be added to the bill, as well as detailed explanations as to the purpose of these
provisions.
Bruce Flax, Interim Director Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Flax presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the GMCC.
The testimony is identical to that of Jim Gildea's.
Jessica Stratton, Member of the Groton Resiliency and Sustainability Task Force
Jessica Stratton presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill on behalf of the
GRSTF. The testimony notes the issue of carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and the
impending job increase we will see at Electric Boatthen concludes with the following: "In
sum, undertaking a review of the feasibility and desirability of increasing passenger rail
service is consistent with the states environmental and economic goals and I think the
outcome of evaluations would make the many benefits of building out this service abundantly
clear."
Michael E. Passero, Mayor of New London
Michael E. Passero presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill. The testimony
begins by stating as follows: "this proposal would provide support for our existing industrial
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base, and be attractive for new businesses and employees." The remainder of the text is
identical to that of Jim Gildea's.
Danielle Chesebrough, First Selectman of Stonington
Danielle Chesebrough presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill. The
testimony states that, being located between Boston and New York City, an extended rail line
would benefit Stonington in terms of commuting possibilities and tourism. The text concludes
by noting the issue of carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and the impending job increase
we will see at Electric Boat.
Captain G. Michael and Lynda Hewitt, USN (Ret); Residents of Noank
Captain G. Michael and Lynda Hewitt presented and submitted testimony in support of this
bill. The testimony offers a summary of their experience with traffic congestion over years of
living and working in the town of Groton, concluding by noting the importance of reducing
carbon emissions.
John Burt, Town Manager of Groton
John Burt presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill. The testimony states that
rail expansion would increase commuting capabilities and tourism in the region, as well as
reduce dangerous carbon emission levels by way of decreasing traffic congestion.
Kristin Distante, Resident of Mystic
The testimony notes the issue of carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and the impending job
increase we will see at Electric Boatthen states as follows: "In a region where we are
generally conscious of and proactive in terms of conservation and environmental quality, this
project is forward thinking, appropriate in vision and scale, and will improve the quality of life
for residents and facilitate visitors."
Frederic Fischer, Resident of Groton
Frederic Fischer presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill. The testimony
notes that this bill would aid economic development, tourism, commuter opportunities,
Electric Boat's impending job increase, and reduce carbon emissions.
James C. Furlong, Resident of Mystic
James C. Furlong presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill. The testimony
reflects Mr. Furlong's disappointment with local train service and his concern over carbon
emissions, then concludes with the following: "You may well be criticized for spending money.
However, to my knowledge, most or all of the worlds commuter railroads operate at a 2
deficit when thats assessed in narrow terms. However, the trains economic benefit
outweighs any simple counting of beans."
Larry Thompson, Resident of Fairfield
Larry Thompson presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill. The testimony
notes that extended rail service would help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
David Sax, Resident of Essex
David Sax presented and submitted testimony in support of this bill. The testimony notes that
this bill would aid economic development, tourism, and commuter opportunities, then
concludes with the following: "Anyone who cannot or does not drive, finds existing Amtrak
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service inadequate or has simply experienced one too many summer traffic jams on I-95
would welcome an alternative."
Edward R. Johnson, Resident of Groton
Edward R. Johnson submitted testimony in support of this bill. The testimony begins with Mr.
Johnson's experiences living and working in the areaspecifically noting the poor quality of
passenger rail service, traffic congestion, parking congestion, and increasing carbon
emissions. The text then offers two areas requiring attention to rail expansion: 1. "The first is
based on using existing RR tracks in order to expand services offered by the Shore Line East
operation into more passenger pick-up/drop off facilities from Westerly, Stonington, Mystic,
and Groton to New London" and 2. "The second would be to utilize the existing tracks,
belonging to Providence/Worcester RR, that presently extend from Groton and the East bank
of the Thames River which would initially connect Electric Boat and Pfizer with the Navy Sub
Base." The testimony ends with a detailed explanation as to how these would aid the region.
23 Residents of Various Municipalities
23 Residents of Various Municipalities submitted testimony in support of this bill. It is identical
to Charles J. Rothenberger's.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Alexa Collin, Resident of Newington
Alexa Collin presented and submitted testimony in opposition of this bill. The testimony states
that Mrs. Collin's strongly opposes train expansion to Newington, as there are plenty of
applicable busses that go unused and Hartford is only a 7-minute Uber ride away. The text
concludes with the following: "In the era of Covid and for the years ahead there will be no
support in our community for more public transportation like a train station. This is the general
feeling of all of my friends as well."
John Kearns, Resident of Newington
John Kearns presented and submitted testimony in opposition of this bill. The testimony
states that he strongly opposes expanded train service in Newington, then concludes with the
following: "We wasted money on Fastraks that are used by homeless and drug dealers, I
refuse to accept more wasted money on a mode of transportation that since covid is not
going to be a viable. Please hear me , do not proceed with train stations in my town."
Reported by: Ian Bond Date: 4/1/2021
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