Bryan Anderson
Bryan Anderson, Democratic candidate for state Representative in the 119th District that includes parts of Milford and Orange, called the action by the State Bond Commission on April 16 to withdraw bond funding on new rail cars for the Waterbury Rail Line an opportunity for Milford’s interests to be taken into account.
“To date plans for the Waterbury Rail Line have not been inclusive of all stakeholders. Milford needs to be at the table,” Anderson said.
“North Milford, including Baldwin Station, Great River, and Wheelers Farms, as well as Orange, are traversed by trains running on the rail line that hugs the Housatonic River,” Anderson said. “Yet in all of the planning that has taken place, Milford has not been part of the discussion. I’m calling for that to change.”
Gov. Ned Lamont unveiled a transportation initiative called CT2030 in November that included upgrades to the state’s rail lines. An advocacy group has since formed to promote an accelerated timeframe for rail upgrades and new rail cars that would spur economic development and job creation in Naugatuck Valley communities where the Waterbury Line runs.
“Devon Station, located near Naugatuck Avenue in the Devon section of Milford, has been used as a Metro-North stop during times of need. That location should be explored as a permanent boarding platform for the Waterbury Rail Line,” Anderson said.