Officials in Connecticut are continuing to push Washington to award the state at least $100 million in federal rail funding.

Led by governor Dannel Malloy, the state argues the money would fund the planned commuter rail line from New Haven to Springfield, Mass.
Plans in place also envisage an eventual contention up through Vermont and to Montreal, Canada.

In a conference call with reporters on Thursday, Malloy said he met with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and made the point that Connecticut, unlike other states, is financially committed to the project.

The state has already earmarked $286 million for the $800 million line.