HARTFORD, Conn (WTNH) — Four Connecticut lawmakers have written a letter in support of the state’s request for federal money to improve Metro North Railroad’s New Haven Line and Danbury Branch Line.

Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, along with Congressman Jim Himes and Congresswomen Elizabeth Esty, wrote the letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. The letter echoes the state’s request for $12 million for improvements to the design, engineering and construction of a new dock yard in Norwalk.

The Norwalk dock yard is located on the southern end of the Danbury line. Construction includes adding siding and extending electricity to the yard.

The project would replace the 119-year-old Walk Bridge on the New Haven Line. In addition, the project will also improve operational flexibility, on-time performance and increase capacity on both lines.

It is expected to be completed by August 2017.