WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is sending the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) $149,917 that U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) secured in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 Omnibus Appropriation Bill for the possible development of a Pawtucket/Central Falls commuter rail station.RIDOT is working in conjunction with the Pawtucket Foundation, and the cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls to develop a commuter rail station at the site of the former Train Station. The depot is a historic Beaux Arts facility which at one time handled as many as 79 trains per day. The proposed development would provide another potential stop along the successful Providence to Boston commuter rail line and enhance the surrounding neighborhoods. RIDOT will use the National Planning and Research grant secured by Reed to conduct a planning and feasibility study of the project. The study will consist of ridership analysis; railroad operations planning; traffic analysis; land development; and the development of conceptual layouts. Expanded rail service in the state can help reduce congestion on the roads and offer an alternative to the stress and environmental impacts of driving, Reed said. This is a worth while project because of the positive impact it can have for commuters while enhancing the surrounding communities in Pawtucket and Central Falls. Senator Reed comes through again to provide the necessary resources to two Rhode Island communities to revitalize the historic train station. The commuter rail development will generate jobs and economic opportunities for residents of both communities, stated Pawtucket Mayor James E. Doyle.Reed secured $20.5 million in Rhode Island transportation funding in the FY 05 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Reed also secured $75 million in project funding for the RIDOT as well as $30.25 million for buses and station expansion for the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) and authorized $96 million for continued development and extension of the South County commuter rail and Wickford Junction station in the Transportation Reauthorization Bill which the President signed into law last week.