Thompson, Conn., to examine passenger rail service feasibility
Written by jrood
Although only two trains, both freight, rumble through Thompson, Conn., each day, officials believe the Providence and Worcester Railroad tracks in the northeast corner could be a huge asset to the area, the Norwich Bulletin reports.
"It’s an untapped resource for commuter and community
development possibilities," Thompson Director of Planning and Development Kevin
Kennedy said.
The town has been offered a
$9,000 grant to study the feasibility of re-establishing passenger rail service
in town. Taxpayers will vote on whether to accept the money later this month.
Kennedy said future
developments could include a new platform station serving Thompson’s urban
center and a spur for the Thompson Rail Business Park on Reardon Road.
Putnam Town Administrator
Doug Cutler said rail service could be an important selling point for potential
business development in town.
"Lots that have rail-line
frontage are good for drawing in business," he said.
National nonprofit group
Go21 contacted Cutler seeking support for the Freight Rail Infrastructure
Capacity Expansion Act being considered by Congress. The legislation would
promote rail transportation as an alternative to truck traffic by offering a 25
percent tax incentive for investments in railway expansion.
In addition to development
possibilities, the group touts the environmental advantages of more
fuel-efficient rail service and reduced road congestion.
There are a few businesses,
including Impact Plastics in the Putnam’s industrial park, that use the
existing freight line.
Cutler said passenger rail
in Putnam was popular before floods in the 1950s wiped out sections of track.
"My mother used to ride the rails to get up to nursing school
in Boston," he said. "Quite a few people from my parents’ age group used it."
Greg Renshaw, who owns the
Cargill Falls Mill building, said he hoped to see increased rail service in the
near future.
"I think it’d be absolutely
incredible and long overdue," he said. "With all the private schools in the
community, it’d be a great choice for families coming from the city, and for
those coming in for a day or weekend trip. It’d be phenomenal."
