ATHOL – In November, officials from more than 100 municipalities, community and business organizations, cultural and educational entities signed on to a letter urging state transportation officials to support the Northern Tier Passenger Rail.

Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski was among those to sign the correspondence to Monica Tibbits-Nutt, secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT); MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger; and David Mohler, executive director, Office of Transportation Planning at MassDOT.

MassDOT is conducting a study focused on the restart of passenger rail service along the Route 2 corridor. An initial report has been released for public comment, with the final version expected in the coming weeks.

“We are challenged for transportation and access to job markets,” said Suhoski. “I really give kudos to state Sen. Jo Comerford as probably the leading voice on this issue, and of course to Rep. Sussanah Whipps, both of whom were also signatories to the letter. As investment is made to serve an underserved region – not just Athol, but Franklin and the rural counties to our west – simply makes sense.

“It can provide economic opportunity,” Suhoski continued. “It can provide access to job markets, access to housing markets that are more affordable than the Boston area. As we await the MassDOT report, we’re hopeful it will include stops – whether it’s Gardner, Athol, Greenfield, North Adams – we’re hopeful there will be some funding and further steps to advance that process.”

Suhoski pointed out that the potential extension of passenger rail service to Springfield, as well as areas along the North Shore and South Coast, has dominated most of the conversation on Beacon Hill as it relates to expanded service.

“Rail is being invested in everywhere else in the Commonwealth and it’s time we energized folks along the Northern Tier and I fully support it,” Suhoski said.

He noted that he and Planning and Development Director Eric Smith have participated in stakeholder meetings organized by MassDOT as it worked toward completion of its study.

“As you know,” said Sen. Comerford, “40 municipalities from the Berkshires to Middlesex County signed on to that letter of support. What I hear from the communities is that they see it as a mix of economic opportunity, to attract new businesses, to attract people who would want to live in western Massachusetts and work in the Boston area. With extended economic opportunity would come an expanded tax base, making it easier for municipalities to pay their bills.”

Many who support expanded rail service, Comerford added, also see it as a benefit to the environment.

“They see it as a climate imperative,” she said. “We could get a lot of cars off of Route 2. It simply becomes a very workable system to take the train. If we can make it affordable, if we can make the schedule work, this is something that would be quite advantageous to individuals, advantageous to the climate, and advantageous to communities.”

With a new president due to be sworn in next month, Comerford said, “I do think part of our job when a new administration like the Trump administration is coming in is to figure out; what can we get done? What momentum can we continue? And how are we positioning ourselves for the future?”

The lawmaker cautioned that people shouldn’t expect to see trains running from Boston to North Adams anytime soon.

“No one imagines this is going to be an immediate thing,” she added. “We in northern Worcester, northern Franklin County, we can deal incrementalism. So, can the train come to Gardner and then to Athol, for example – and then to Greenfield? Can it get linked up with north-south rail? It doesn’t have to be perfect all at once. What we need to see is some forward momentum.”

The letter sent to MassDOT officials echoed the sentiments of both Comerford and Suhoski.

“Northern Tier Passenger Rail will be the catalyst needed for our underlooked and underserved region to attract younger individuals, families, and entrepreneurs; expand economic opportunity, growth, and mobility; assist in meeting the Commonwealth’s pressing housing demand; and reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions,” the correspondence read.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.