Financial push for high-speed rail line

Wallingford, Conn. (WTNH) - The State of Connecticut is trying to move full steam ahead on a high-speed rail project.

Gov. Jodi Rell is hoping that spending a lot of state money on this train line will bring in a lot of federal money for this train line. Both have already spent tens of millions of dollars, but the project needs hundreds of millions.

Right now, Amtrak and freight trains use the line between New Haven and Springfield. What the governor wants is a new high speed passenger train line, but that means putting down a whole new set of tracks.

Later this morning she will announce that she's putting $260 million for that on the agenda for the next Bonding Commission meeting. Once that state money is committed, the hope is it will show Washington that Connecticut is serious about the project. President Obama wants stimulus money spent on high speed rail. The state is looking for another $220 million from the feds.

If that happens, this line would not only connect New Haven and Springfield, but everything in between at places like Wallingford and Hartford. It would also stop in Windsor Locks and bring people within a shuttle bus ride of Bradley International Airport.

News 8 will have more information about the project and funding later today after the governor makes her announcement.