Himes, Blumenthal, Murphy, Finch joined by Federal Railroad Administration at proposed Barnum statio
Focus on neighborhood revitalization, increase transit access
Bridgeport —Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) along with US Federal Railroad Administration Administrator, Sarah Feinberg, and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch celebrated the awarding of a $10 million competitive Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to plan a new rail station in Bridgeport. The new station will serve both Metro-North and Amtrak trains.
Standing at the proposed site of the new station, the officials praised the cooperation between local, state and federal government that allowed Bridgeport to win the competitive grant process and expanded on the myriad benefits that its development will bring.
“This award is a game changer for the East Side and East End of Bridgeport—bringing new commuter rail service that will catalyze development and investment in not only those neighborhoods, but the city as a whole,” said Blumenthal. “In addition to serving as an anchor for major mixed-use, transit-oriented development in Bridgeport, the station will expand options for commuters throughout the region, offering much-needed express and local service along the nation’s busiest commuter rail corridor. TIGER grants are highly competitive awards that inject major federal investment in state and local transportation priorities. Past Connecticut projects, including Steelpointe in Bridgeport, have produced transformational economic development opportunities. I will continue to serve as a vocal and vigorous advocate for Connecticut’s TIGER applications, as well as for increased investment in transportation infrastructure nationwide.”
“The new Barnum train station could really be ground-breaking for Bridgeport, and I’m thrilled that we are able to deliver this sizable grant to help make this station a reality,” said Murphy. “This project will give travelers more options, but more importantly, help revitalize the eastern section of the city. I was proud to work with city leaders to advocate for this support from Washington. Connecting our communities is a critical step in growing Connecticut’s economy, and this is exactly the kind of federal-state partnership we need to make our state a more accessible, appealing place for students, residents, and businesses.”
“The ongoing rejuvenation of Bridgeport is critical to its citizens and to the economic health of our region,” said Himes “Barnum station will eventually host retail stores, housing and critical transportation options. It will transform a bleak and neglected neighborhood into a vibrant source of opportunity for the people of Bridgeport. I am proud of the work that my office did, in conjunction with local and state leaders and Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, to help secure this TIGER grant.”
“This is great news for our city and its future. Bridgeport’s new Barnum Train Station – the second rail stop in the state’s largest city – will serve as a much needed catalyst for job creation and economic growth,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “With these TIGER Grant funds, we’ll be able to move this game-changing, job creating project forward. Thanks to Sen. Blumenthal, Sen. Murphy, Congressman Himes, and Gov. Malloy for their tireless work in helping our city with this project and others – making Bridgeport better every day.”
Congressman Jim Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District, which includes the communities of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Oxford, Redding, Ridgefield, Shelton, Stamford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.
