McGovern Hosts Visit From Ray LaHood, US Sec. of Transportation

Submitted by Scott Zoback, district press secretary for U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern

United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood visited Worcester today on a tour hosted by Congressman Jim McGovern to highlight ongoing transportation initiatives in Worcester. LaHood and McGovern were joined by state and local officials, including Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Richard Davey, to discuss several major efforts to continue cementing Worcester’s role as a major local, state, and regional transportation hub.

Over the past decade, extensive federal, state, and local investments have benefitted public/private partnership efforts to improve mass transportation facilities throughout the city of Worcester.

“Worcester Regional Airport and Union Station are transportation and economic assets both for the City of Worcester and the entire region,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.  “At DOT we are committed to helping communities build and create transportation options that will increase access for residents and build regional economies nationwide.”

Highlights of LaHood’s visit included a roundtable with business and community leaders at Worcester Regional Airport about the need to strategically improve the range of services at that facility.

Following the roundtable, Secretary LaHood said that his office was “committed” to working with Massport and city officials to attract airlines to the facility, and to discussing  specific infrastructure improvements, including an upgrade to Category 3 ILS equipment.

“Over the past 12 years, we have made extraordinary process in growing, and improving transportation options in Worcester.  The simple fact is, Worcester is a prime transportation hub for the state and the region,” said Congressman Jim McGovern.  “ I’m honored that Secretary LaHood joined us today to learn about how federal involvement has contributed to our successes, and talk about the next steps we can take to improve commuter rail, bus, and air service in our community.”

Secretary LaHood also participated in a tour and discussion at Union Station focusing on the expansion of commuter rail service; freight rail growth in Worcester; and improvements to bus services through the WRTA.

“Massachusetts’ regional economies depend on a viable transportation system,” said Lt. Gov. Murray.  “As Worcester continues to growing its innovation economy, academic and research institutions, and cultural attractions, we need to invest in a robust transportation system that will further attract community and economic development in the city and region.  We have seen the success of these important strategic investments thanks to Secretary LaHood and President Obama’s focus on improving our transportation infrastructure.  I am grateful to have Secretary LaHood here with us in Worcester today to see the great work being done here."

"As we continue to make investments in our transportation infrastructure, we're also creating and sustaining jobs and spurring economic development," said Richard A. Davey, MassDOT Secretary and CEO. "I want to thank President Obama, Secretary LaHood, Governor Patrick, and Lt Gov. Murray for their commitment to transportation infrastructure and for sharing a vision in the importance of having a diverse, multimodal, and successful transportation system."