EAST LONGMEADOW – State Sen. Eric Lesser is concerned the study being conducted so far about East-West high speed passenger rail may be tilted more toward its challenges than the advantages of the proposed rail program.

Although Lesser explained to Reminder Publishing he could not attend the MassDOT hearing about the rail line last week in Springfield due to a previous commitment, he has met with MassDOT officials many times about the information that has been collected so far.

He wondered if the Hoover Dam or the Erie Canal would have been built if cost analysis had dictated their fate.

“It is ambitious, yes, but it’s far from impossible,” Lesser said. “There are more challenging projects being built all over the world.”

The senator believes the report should include detailed information on both potential ridership and economic development. Lesser’s position has been the rail line would benefit both economic development both here and in the eastern part of the state.

“What is the cost of not doing it,” he asked.

He stated that for the Boston are, the line would open up the possibility of working in Boston but living here, which would potentially decrease soaring housing costs in that part of the state, while boosting employment in Western Massachusetts.

He believes the train could help reverse job flight from Western Massachusetts

“It’s about a lot more than just a train,” he asserted.

The study is supposed to be completed within 12 to 18 months and should be released by the end of the year, he added.

This project has truly opened eyes, ignited a lot of people,” he said.