Recent accidents on area train lines, including a recent fatal accident in New York state, has prompted state Sen. Toni Boucher to ask state officials to replenish money from the state’s special transportation fund that has been raided by lawmakers in past budget negotiations.
In light of an expected $246 million state surplus, Boucher, a Republican whose district stretches from Westport to Bethel, said $91 million should be returned to the transportation fund.
” These critical rail lines have enormous impact on our state’s economy and are far too important to ignore,” Boucher said. ” The safety of our commuting public is paramount. I would encourage the administration to refund the $91 million to the special transportation account so that further maintenance and oversight can be provided.”