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