Officials in Bridgeport want to see the city's new train station built this year, including Mayor Joe Ganim, who says it's one of his top priorities.

Local leaders met at the downtown station on Water Street.

Mayor Ganim says he will be renewing his request for federal funding to get the $300 million "Barnum Station" built on the city's East Side.  

The leaders say the new commuter hub would create jobs and spur economic development.

They also requesting funding to improve rail infrastructure. 

"Both of these take cars off of I-95 and will begin to have even a greater impact on improving the quality of life, which is one of the challenges for people who want to do business here or live here," says Mayor Ganim.

The mayor says the state's budget crisis pushed plans for the new station to the back burner in 2017.