State Money secured for both West Haven and Orange Metro North Train Stations

Accord to the New Haven Register article entitled "$11M set for Metro-North stations in W. Haven, Orange", Jodi Rell has signed a bill that would set aside a total of $11M for train stations in both Orange and West Haven, with the bulk of the money going to West Haven (although it isn't clear how much of that it is.).

Each station is expected to cost about $50 million, with the bulk of the money coming from the Federal government. Rosa DeLauro has indicated that she has so far been able to secure $3M for both stations, including $1.2 million secured in June for West Haven.

The $11 Million contributed by the state will apparently be matched by Federal Government funds:

State Department of Transportation spokesman Chris Cooper said Monday that the $11 million will be in the DOT’s budget for the stations, with matching funds coming from the federal government.

"As it stands right now moving forward, both (West Haven and Orange) will get train stations as a result of this bill," said Cooper.

So, that looks like $25M of $100M (required to build both stations) has been found...
that's good news. State officials indicates that "Preliminary plans [for the West Haven Station] call for a transportation "hub," with bus lines, parking, condominiums and office space".

Mayor Picard indicated that preliminary plans have construction starting in January 2009 (why so far away -- maybe to raise $$$'s?) with completion in 2010, and hopes that this will help revitalize West Haven.

Public meetings are apparently on the way so that residents can understand what is happening with the projects -- stay tuned, as I think this is really exciting news for West Haven.