Mayors and First Selectmen representing municipalities with Waterbury Branch Line (WBL) rail stations will host area state legislators for a summit meeting on Friday, February 2, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Naugatuck Town Hall.
The event will provide the opportunity for a productive discussion of issues impacting future service on the WBL.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s January 10 announcement that indefinitely postpones $4.3 billion in transportation projects prevents the planned purchase of locomotives and train sets and other allocations needed to increase WBL rail service. The announcement also calls for a reduction in existing service on the line.
However, local officials have long strongly supported increasing service to benefit local economic development and quality of life.
The summit will provide a timely opportunity for the region’s mayors and first selectman and state legislative delegation to come to consensus on the WBL’s role in Connecticut’s statewide transportation plans before the start of the General Assembly’s 2018 Legislative Session.
Mayors and First Selectman scheduled to attend are:
Summit Chair Naugatuck Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess
Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti
Beacon Falls First Selectman Chris Bielik
Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan
Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller
Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti
Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O’Leary
