Our emails to the DOTs
Information for you, and an invitation to contact your own representatives
DOTS - Departments of Transportation - have a reputation for not answering citizen questions. Or reporters’ questions, for that matter.
But putting together questions, based on research, is worthwhile. The answers would make for an informed citizenry, better able to work with officials to set priorities, and better able to understand why certain projects get more attention and funding than others. When it comes to the Housatonic-Berkshire Line, there are questions about safety, too, given the age and condition of the rail tracks between Canaan and New Milford
Here are email letters we sent to the Massachusetts DOT and to the Connecticut DOT in January. We have not yet had answers. Feel free to use this information to contact your state representatives, town leaders, or influential folks in your area.
To the Connecticut Department of Transportation Wednesday, January 29, 2025 8:48 AM To: 'Stephen.Curley@ct.gov' <Stephen.Curley@ct.gov>; 'Yure.Kuljis@ct.gov' <Yure.Kuljis@ct.gov>; 'jon.foster@ct.gov' <jon.foster@ct.gov> Cc: 'Richard.Jankovich@ct.gov' <Richard.Jankovich@ct.gov>; 'Garrett.Eucalitto@ct.gov' <Garrett.Eucalitto@ct.gov>hirepublishing.com> Subject: Press questions re CT Rail Plan Dear rail colleagues, I apologize for writing to all of you, but I was unable to determine who would be the right person to answer this question. Do please correct me. I write on behalf of the Train Campaign, which has worked in MA and CT since 2011 to promote passenger rail and educate the press and public. On reviewing the CT Rail Plan, we note that the stated goals include "study the feasibility" and "update travel patterns for post-COVID"; this makes it obvious that train service should improve and expand. Yet we see almost no planned route expansion, not even a diversion to White Plains via Maybrook., or service on the 15 miles from Danbury to New Milford. We know that a $1-2 million study of Danbury Fasttrack was funded, but what is the current status of that improvement? We also have questions about the upper portion of the Housatonic Line in Connecticut. Some bridge and crossing work has been done, and we’ve seen references to upgrading the line itself in past reports. A consultant suggests that you should be able to provide this information: 1) Is the State or the operator responsible for track and right-of-way maintenance on the portion of the rail lines owned by the State? 2) Is the State or the operator responsible for track and right-of-way capital investments on the portion of the rail lines owned by the State? 3) Is the operating agreement between the State and the operator a public document? If so, how can I obtain a copy. If not, is a summary of the terms available? 4) Are railroads (including the operator) in the State required to file an annual report? If so, how can we obtain copies? This information is needed for a newsletter and podcast that will be widely distributed, as well as for the series of open online meetings we will be announcing in conjunction with the relaunched Train Time media project. Your help will be very much appreciated, and fully acknowledged! Best, Karen. To the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Wednesday, January 29, 2025 8:55 AM To: meredith.slesinger@state.ma.us; Diana.moscone@state.ma.us Subject: Berkshire Line information for Train Time project Dear Meredith, We have a few questions about the Berkshire Line that I hope you or a colleague can answer easily, as I know that you have a great deal on your desk and probably don’t have much time for western Massachusetts. There is great interest in improved rail service out here and we are renewing our efforts – in Connecticut, too, of course. Here are the questions about the line from Pittsfield to the CT border: 1) Is the State or the operator responsible for track and right-of-way maintenance on the portion of the rail lines owned by the Commonwealth? 2) Is the Commonwealth or the operator responsible for track and right-of-way capital investments on the portion of the rail lines owned by the Commonwealth? 3) Is the operating agreement between the Commonwealth and the operator a public document? If so, how can I obtain a copy. If not, is a summary of the terms available? 4) Are railroads (including the operator) in the Commonwealth required to file an annual report? If so, how can we obtain copies? 5) May we have a summary of all work done on the line in the last 5 years? This information is needed for a newsletter and podcast that will be widely distributed, as well as for the series of open online meetings we will be announcing in conjunction with the relaunched Train Time media project. Your help will be very much appreciated, and fully acknowledged! Best, Karen.
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