Ohio to Revive Passenger Rail Service with $25,000 Budget Allocation

Ohio lawmakers are working to restore passenger rail service by dedicating $25,000 in the state’s $61 billion budget. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This funding will allow Ohio to rejoin the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission, a multi-state group that advocates for rail system improvements.

Ohio’s Bid to Rejoin the Midwest Rail Commission

The push to rejoin the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission is part of Ohio’s broader strategy to ensure its voice in national rail discussions. Mitch Radakovich, chair of All Aboard Ohio, emphasized the significance of securing a seat at the table.

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“Without participation, Ohio risks missing essential funding opportunities and facing avoidable missteps in the planning process,” Radakovich testified to lawmakers.

Ohio exited the commission in 2013 under Governor John Kasich, who rejected a $400 million federal grant for a Cleveland-to-Cincinnati rail line. This recent budget provision signals a potential shift in priorities, although it is still pending final approval.

The Ohio Senate will revise the budget, and differences must be resolved before the June 30 deadline for Governor Mike DeWine’s signature.

Federal Support and Future Rail Projects in Ohio

This move aligns with increasing federal support for rail initiatives. In 2023, Amtrak allocated $500,000 to study four key Ohio rail corridors.

These include the Cincinnati-Dayton-Columbus-Cleveland route, Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit, and a link connecting Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. Additionally, improvements are planned for the Cincinnati-Amtrak route to New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago. However, these plans will require years of development.

Despite growing support for rail expansion, Ohio’s passenger rail prospects remain uncertain.

While the Biden administration has prioritized Amtrak growth, comments from Elon Musk, an adviser to former President Trump, called for privatizing Amtrak. Following Musk’s statements, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner resigned last month, contributing to concerns about the future of national rail development.

Source: sciotovalleyguardian.com

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