September 18, 2013

GOV. MALLOY NAMES MAYOR ROHDE TO CONN. COMMUTER RAIL COUNCIL

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has appointed Meriden Mayor Michael S. Rohde to serve as a member on the Connecticut Commuter Rail Council, the state body responsible for representing the interests of all rail commuters statewide.

"Economic growth depends on stable and dependable transit, which is why we are making unprecedented investments in upgrading and protecting our transportation infrastructure, including rail," Governor Malloy said. "I've spoken with countless business leaders who've said that access to public transit is an important part of attracting a talented workforce, moving goods, and remaining competitive. Investing in new mass transportation opportunities will undoubtedly decrease congestion on our roadways, create new economic development opportunities, create jobs, and improve our residents' overall quality of life."

Mayor Rohde was first elected to serve as Mayor of Meriden in 2008. The centrally-located city is a critical link on the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail corridor. In June, the State Bond Commission approved $3.85 million to renovate Meriden's Hub site, which will be the location for a state-of-the-art intermodal transportation center that will focus on the state's planned commuter rail service.

"I'm honored to be appointed by the Governor to the Connecticut Commuter Rail Council," Mayor Rohde said. "As an elected mayor, I think it's important to have a voice through this process and to also represent the interests of Central Connecticut in the proceedings."

Under state statute, Governor Malloy is responsible for appointing four of the council's fifteen members, one of whom must be the chief elected official of a municipality located on an operating or proposed new rail line. The Governor's other appointments include John Davis of Stamford, James Gildea of Derby, and Susan Prosi-Johnson of Stratford.

The council was created through legislation adopted earlier this year and replaces the Metro-North New Haven Rail Commuter Council, which was responsible for monitoring the operations and representing the interests of commuters on the New Haven commuter railroad line. The restructured council continues the previous group's interests, but expands its scope to include all rail lines statewide.

###

For Immediate Release: September 18, 2013

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy