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FTA 32-03
Contact: Kristi Clemens
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
Monday, September 22, 2003
Federal Funds Awarded for the Stamford Urban Transitway
STAMFORD, CT -- The one-mile Transitway designed to improve access to the most heavily used mass transportation facility in Connecticut received a financial boost today as Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Emil Frankel and U.S. Representative Christopher Shays (CT-04) presented a $7.9 million grant to state and local representatives for the Stamford Urban Transitway.
“The Bush administration is committed to improving transportation in southwestern Connecticut through intermodal projects like the Stamford Urban Transitway,” said Assistant Secretary Frankel. “This project will help boost economic development while protecting the environment and maximizing the freedom of mobility for all Americans.”
During an event at the Stamford Government Center, Assistant Secretary Frankel and Rep. Shays presented a check to Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy. Rep. Shays stressed the importance of continuing to improve area transportation systems and said, “This intermodal project will help improve our transportation systems and boost economic development in Stamford. I am grateful for this funding from the Department of Transportation for the continuation of this very significant and exciting transportation project.”
The grant will help build a one-mile road providing a direct east-west link from the south side of Interstate-95 to the Stamford Intermodal Transportation Center, which is currently being rehabilitated to accommodate high-speed rail service and to provide additional commuter parking.
When finished, the Transitway will include exclusive lanes for buses and other high occupancy vehicles, as well as enhanced bicycle lanes and sidewalks along the entire corridor. The project will include Intelligent Transportation System features, providing real time information on message signs, kiosks and bus stops along the way.
The Transitway is expected to help maximize ridership on Metro-North and Amtrak service through the transportation center and on local and intercity buses. As a result of the improved bus/rail interface, an estimated 1,168 new riders will use rail at the transportation center and an additional 300 riders will use local bus connections to it each weekday.
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