Details for rail project unveiled

Hartford, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut transportation official has unveiled details of an ambitious intercity rail system in New England intended to reduce air traffic congestion and spur economic
development.

Tom Maziarz, chief of planning for Connecticut Department of Transportation , said at a meeting Thursday that the trains likely will not be high speed. High Speed is defined as up
to 110 mph, which he said is not realistic in urban areas.

Maziarz said an application for $220 million in federal money for Connecticut regional plans was reviewed by federal railroad officials Thursday and got a fairly good reception.

Massachusetts also has received $70 million in stimulus money to upgrade deteriorated tracks from Springfield to Vermont.

The project is part of a multibillion-dollar initiative kicked off by President Barack Obama.