Representative Perone Slams Train Car Shop Funding Shortfall, Demands Investigation
State Rep. Chris Perone
September 10, 2007

Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) criticized recent reports of a $300 million shortfall for a new rail car maintenance facility in New Haven. In a letter written to Legislative Transportation Committee heads, Representative Tony Guerrera (D-Rocky Hill) and Senator Donald DeFronzo (D-New Britain), Rep. Perone urged them to investigate how the Department of Transportation could have underestimated the cost of the project to such a large degree.

"To be over budget by over $300 million is absurd," Rep. Perone said. "All of the parties involved had plenty of time to plan out this project; this situation really speaks to a breakdown of planning within the Department of Transportation."

During the letter Rep. Perone explained that the DOT should have anticipated the persistent problems with inflation and that this situation is "emblematic" of the problems that the department has historically faced.

"The successful completion of this rail car station is essential to the economic health of our state," said Rep. Perone. "This maintenance facility was going to be a cornerstone in the state's plan to purchase new rail cars. With more delays on construction we run the risk of keeping aged and potentially dangerous cars on the tracts for much too long."

As of mid-day Monday, Rep. Perone's letter had yet to be answered by the Transportation Committee.

Rep. Christopher Perone is serving his second term representing the 137th Assembly District of Norwalk. He is Vice Chair of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, and is a member of the Education and Transportation Committees.

###