Knowledge Corridor

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Connecticut State Capitol in downtown Hartford
Connecticut State Capitol in downtown Hartford

The Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership constitutes an economic and cultural partnership between the Connecticut River cities of Springfield, Massachusetts, Hartford, Connecticut, and surrounding towns. Formalized by business and education leaders in 2000[1] at the Big E in West Springfield, the partnership seeks to engender economic and cultural opportunities for New England's second most populous region, (after Greater Boston) of 1.7 million residents and 110,000 college students. The Hartford-Springfield area hosts over 26 colleges and universities, and thus received the moniker Knowledge Corridor from regional boosters.

Hartford and Springfield share a common Connecticut River heritage since their respective foundings in 1635 and 1636. During the mid-20th century, the cities shared a dramatic loss of industry, white flight, and disastrous urban renewal. Knowledge Corridor initiatives attempt to rectify these problems.[citations needed]

While Hartford and Springfield's urban cores lie only 25 miles apart, (with Bradley International Airport situated midway between them,) the Hartford-Springfield metro region includes outlying cities like Northampton and Amherst to the north in Massachusetts's Pioneer Valley, and Middletown, Connecticut to the south.

The New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line is intended to further unite the region and ease residents' dependence on Interstate 91.[2]

Contents

[edit] Higher education institutions

[edit] Public college and universities

[edit] Community and technical colleges

[edit] Private college and universities

[edit] Cultural institutions and attractions

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership
  2. ^ DOTINFO: New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Implementation Plan

[edit] External links