[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 49 (Thursday, March 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             RESCISSION BILL

                                 ______


                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 1995
  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I submitted a statement 
expressing my strong opposition to the rescission package before us 
because of the detrimental effect this bill would have on my 
constituents. At this time, I would like to add one point which I 
neglected to discuss in my earlier remarks--the rescission of $7.7 
million for the Northeast Corridor improvement project [NEICP].
  The funding to be rescinded was appropriated in 1977, 1979, and 1980 
and was to be used to improve or close at-grade crossings along the 
Northeast Corridor route. When the Federal Railroad Administration 
[FRA] originally submitted options for improving these crossings in 
southeastern Connecticut, the plan was met with opposition from the 
local communities. Since then, all of the parties concerned have been 
working to come to a consensus on these crossings.
  While there are still 13 crossings left--all in southeastern 
Connecticut--in two areas, Chapman's crossing in Old Lyme and Miner's 
Lane crossing in Waterford, there is consensus within the community and 
construction work can begin as early as summer 1996. However, if this 
money is rescinded today, funding for these two projects will be 
unavailable.
  The construction of alternatives at Chapman's crossing and Miner's 
Lane crossing is critical to ensuring the safety of the residents who 
live near the rail line. In the case of Chapman's crossing, young 
children regularly cross the tracks en route from their homes on one 
side to the beach on the other. I fear that with the current situation 
a serious accident in the near future is inevitable. With the increased 
traffic likely to occur with electrification, this problem will only 
become more dangerous.
  I am discouraged that the House will vote today to cut funding for 
safety improvements in order to provide a tax break for wealthy 
Americans and corporations. I will vote against this bill and I 
encourage my colleagues to do the same.


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