FOX44NOW.COM - Burlington/Plattsburgh News, Weather and SportsTrain Groups Outline VT Project

Train Groups Outline VT Project

Two Vermont groups working to improve the state's rail system sat down with Senator Patrick Leahy in St. Albans Saturday to outline the upcoming project.

New England Central Railroad and VTRANS are using the $51 million in stimulus money they received to fund the project. The group wants to:

• Eliminate transit time by 30 minutes for Amtrak's Vermonter service
• Increase speeds from 55 to 59 mph and 79 mph in some territories
• Upgrade bridge and rail to handle freight cars

"The ridership was key to getting the project off the ground," NECR Director Charles Hunter said.

Hunter said ridership on the Vermonter spiked to more than 80,000 passengers in 2009. He told Leahy, NECR and VTRANS are trying to "fast track" the project to begin construction in late April. It would translate to more jobs for Vermonters.

"I want jobs that will last," Leahy said. "I want jobs in the long run that will pay back the American taxpayers for the amount of money they put in."

Leahy said state leaders are attempting to improve the rail system for the western corridor, which includes the Burlington to Rutland route.

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