Kissel To Hold Office Hours

Wow one day for one hour. People should be able to get alot of questions answered in one hour.

Hey! At least he is giving us that hour! He is a busy guy! One hour out of SIXTEEN YEARS of service should be ample time for us citizens to meet with the Mighty Master of Mount Aloof. Seriously! Who votes for this guy?

August 29, 2005
Senator Kissel Thrilled With Federal Funding for Enfield Transportation Projects
State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) is thrilled with the news that Enfield had received $9.27 million in federal funding for three local transportation projects. Congressman Rob Simmons (R-2 nd District) made the announcement last week and will present the funding at a ceremony at the Fairview River Access on Fairfield Avenue in Enfield tomorrow afternoon. The funding will go towards The Maple Street Bridge Project, a high-speed railroad crossing, and a train station to accommodate commuter rail service from New Haven to Springfield, Massachusetts.

“This is fantastic news for the people of Enfield and all the surrounding communities in Northern Connecticut. I would like to thank Congressman Simmons for helping to secure this significant funding for the town,” said Senator Kissel.“Reliable public transportation plays a major role in improving a region’s economy and quality of life. Certainly, this nearly $10 million grant will go a long way towards improving Enfield now and in the future. Congressman Simmons deserves a tremendous amount of credit for obtaining this funding for the people of Enfield and the surrounding towns.”

Senator Kissel is a Deputy Minority Leader and represents the seventh district towns of East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.

WHERE IS THE MONEY OR THE PROJECT?

DOT 25-08
Contact: Steve Kulm, Tel.:
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
New Grant Program Provides First-Ever Federal-State Funding Partnership to Improve and Expand Intercity Passenger Rail Service
For the first time ever, states will be directly eligible for federal funding to support intercity passenger rail service under a new grant program, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced today.
“We want to encourage and support the kind of state investments that are making a difference for passenger rail services,” Peters said, noting that between 1996 and 2006, ridership on state-supported intercity routes grew by a robust 88 percent, vastly outpacing the 17 percent increase on all other routes combined.
Peters explained that the $30 million capital grant program is designed to support state efforts to improve intercity passenger rail service and requires a 50-50 funding match like most other transportation investments. Projects that demonstrate an on-time performance standard of 80 percent or greater, reduce travel time, increase service frequency, or enhance service quality for intercity rail passengers will receive favorable consideration for funding, she said.
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: upgrading existing track to permit higher maximum operating speeds, adding or lengthening passing tracks to increase rail line capacity, improving track switches and signaling systems to advance reliability and safety, and purchasing new passenger rail cars to enhance the travel experience, Peters said.
“Rail passengers demand improved service and quality and this grant program will allow states to address these concerns,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman, highlighting that individual or multiple States working together can submit applications.
Peters stressed that creation of a federal-state funding partnership was specifically called for by the Bush Administration as part of its long standing intercity passenger rail reform effort. The Administration believes states need a larger role in deciding where and how intercity passenger rail is operated while focusing federal investments on capital projects that produce long term results.
The Federal Railroad Administration is administering this grant program and will begin accepting applications on March 18, 2008, with the expectation that awards will be made later this year. The full Notice of Funding Availability can be found at www.fra.dot.gov .

Where is the money?

That would be so cool to have the train right next to my residence.

You already have the train go bye. Who knows what State Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield did with the money. I know I won't vote for him.