CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: October 12, 2010
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Connecticut Department of Transportation Seeks Comments on the Draft State Rail Plan
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is soliciting comments on the Draft 2010-2014 State Rail Plan (SRP) for the State of Connecticut.  The SRP, developed in compliance with the guidelines of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, P.L. 110-432,  is a document that sets forth state policy involving passenger and freight rail in the state. It is utilized to develop strategies and priorities to enhance rail service and serves as the basis for federal and state rail investments within Connecticut.  The draft SRP covers the period 2010 through 2030.  A copy of the draft document is available on the Department’s web site at https://www.ct.gov/dot/srp
A public information meeting will be heldon November 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m, in conference room A,  at the DOT Headquarters located at 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut. Department staff will be available 30 minutes prior to the meeting to informally discuss the document. 
"Because the SRP is required to be updated every five years, it is important that the public review this draft plan and let us know if they think we’ve addressed their needs and concerns,” said James Redeker, Bureau Chief of Public Transportation for the Connecticut DOT.   “A significant number of comments were received during the listening sessions that the Department held in 2009 preceding the SRP's development.  We gave strong consideration to that input when developing the Draft SRP, and we will do the same with input received on this draft plan.” 
Written comments on the Draft 2010-2014 SRP will be accepted through November 23, 2010, and all comments received prior to November 23, 2010 will be considered when preparing the final SRP.  Comments may be submitted electronically to brenda.jannotta@ct.gov.  Comments may also be mailed to the attention of Ms. Brenda Jannotta, Bureau of Public Transportation, Office of Rail, Connecticut Department of Transportation, 50 Union Ave., New Haven, CT 06510.  Other arrangements can be made for viewing the document by calling 203-497-3366. 
The Department will try to accommodate people with special needs.  Persons who wish to attend this meeting and need special accommodations or language assistance should contact the Department at (860) 594-3062 or at DOTAccommodations@ct.gov.