House Republican Press Release

August 7, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. HARKINS SEEKS IMPROVEMENTS AT STRATFORD TRAIN STATION

HARTFORD—State Representative John Harkins, R-Stratford, has called on the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide canopies over the platform at the Stratford Train Station. In July, Rep. Harkins wrote to DOT Commissioner Stephen E. Korta II, (recently replaced by Lt. Col. Ralph J. Carpenter, who has also been contacted ) seeking installation of the canopies.

Rep. Harkins, who serves as a member of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, noted that the Stratford station will likely see increased commuter volume in the coming years.

“The construction of the new Stratford Parking Garage will no doubt lead to more commuters using the trains each day,” said Rep. Harkins. “While local commuters would certainly appreciate being protected from inclement weather, it also important that the state do all it can to encourage residents to use safe public transportation as a way to lessening of traffic congestion on our major roadways.”  Harkins plans to meet with commuters in September in order to continue dialog regarding their concerns about the Stratford Train Station.

In his July 19^th response letter, Korta noted the DOT’s Rail Inspection Team is reviewing stations and developing a program of improvements. Rep. Harkins’ request for the canopies at the Stratford station will be considered in the program development, wrote Korta.