Tom Condon's Oct. 19 column on Worcester's successful development
["Worcester Downtown Riding High On Rail"] could not be more
correct. The Massachusetts
city is a prime example of the economic return — in population growth and job
creation — that investments in rail have on downtown areas.
Considering Connecticut's
current financial crisis, the state cannot afford to cut transit funding as
Gov. M Jodi Rell has proposed. Instead we must invest in infrastructure
projects that will bring people and businesses into the state, help us to
retain our youth population and create new jobs in the process.
According to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, investing in the New
Haven-Hartford-Springfield commuter rail line would create 775 new jobs and
increase economic activity within the region by $152 million. Investing in
commuter rail will not only stimulate the state's economy, it will serve as a
driving force in revitalizing our urban areas as well.
Tom-Condon--Worcester-Riding-High-on-Rail.doc