$4 million for Palmer Station rail project

We are thrilled and grateful that Governor Healey has proposed $4 million to prioritize a Palmer Station rail project in her FY2024 budget, demonstrating that her administration understands the value of trains stopping in Palmer and serving residents of the 21 towns of the Lower Quabbin Region. This would be a suburban station, attracting riders from UMass Amherst to Stafford Springs, CT.

The $12.5 million budget line item 1596-2407 is “For one-time expenses for rail projects in Palmer and Pittsfield; provided, that not less than $8,500,000 shall be expended for track improvements at the Pittsfield Station; and provided further, that not less than $4,000,000 shall be expended for study and design of a Palmer Station.”

Fair Share Amendment revenue would be used for this pair of rail projects. Massachusetts voters passed the Fair Share Amendment last November, and it is now part of the Massachusetts constitution. The amendment imposes a 4% tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million, and requires that the funds be spent only on transportation and education. Citizens for a Palmer Rail Stop endorsed the Fair Share Amendment, and it is fitting that this revenue source would be utilized to begin the restoration of train service to our “Town of Seven Railroads.”

In Palmer this investment in rail infrastructure and restored train service is projected to generate 650,000 square feet of commercial square footage, 1,800 housing units, and 1,100 jobs.

We thank everyone in Palmer and beyond who wrote letters, made phone calls, and attended state meetings to support a Palmer stop. Now let’s make sure that the Governor’s recommendation for initial work on East-West passenger rail survives the legislative budget process, and remains in the final state budget. Please contact your legislators and ask them to support the $4 million for a Palmer Station project. Contact information for representatives and senators is available via Find My Legislator.