The project manager for the proposed New Haven-to-Hartford-to-Springfield high-speed rail line says the project is set to move forward, despite efforts by congressional Republicans to kill funding for President Barack Obama’s rail initiative.

John Bernick said Thursday that Connecticut is "still in good shape" and has already received enough money to launch service from New Haven to Windsor in 2016.

He said the state will continue to seek future funding to finish the upgrades up to Springfield.

Obama had requested $8 billion in fiscal 2012 for his high-speed rail program, and $53 billion over six years. But Republicans have made it clear they intend to eliminate it because they believe it’s too costly.

Regardless of the current debate in Washington, Bernick said there’s bipartisan support for high-speed rail in New England. (AP)