U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) made a big announcement today – the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration is putting Ohio on the map for Amtrak expansion.
Thanks to the groundbreaking Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Ohio is set to become a hub for enhanced rail services. Four key routes have been earmarked for expansion, and trust us, this is just the beginning.
The Chosen Four
So, which routes made the cut? Brace yourselves for the Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati route, affectionately known as the 3C+D corridor. Then there’s the Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit journey, offering a seamless connection between these vibrant cities. The Midwest Connect corridor, linking Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Pittsburgh, promises to be a game-changer. Last but not least, the Daily Cardinal Service is stepping up its game, increasing its frequency from three days per week to a daily service.
Senator Brown couldn’t be more thrilled, stating, “Today’s announcement is a great first step toward expanding Amtrak in Ohio. Good Amtrak service shouldn’t be a privilege only for people on the coasts.” We couldn’t agree more, Senator!
The Green Light for Development
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The State of Ohio, Amtrak, and metropolitan planning organizations are teaming up to kick off corridor development efforts. This includes drafting a service development plan, and guess what? The Federal Railroad Administration is chipping in $500,000 for each corridor under the Corridor Identification program. Talk about a boost!
This funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a testament to Senator Brown’s dedication to enhancing Ohio’s transportation infrastructure. “I fought for the investment to make Amtrak expansion in Ohio possible – and I will keep fighting to make sure that Ohio receives these critical infrastructure projects,” declares the Senator.
Future-Focused Funding
Ohio’s selected corridors aren’t just getting a one-time boost; they’re also getting priority status in future funding competitions. This means they’ll have the edge when it comes to securing funds for capital construction projects outlined in their service development plans. With $2.4 billion annually available for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 under the Fed-State Partnership – National Program, Ohio is gearing up for a rail renaissance.
“These new routes would expand opportunity, help grow businesses and create jobs, and connect communities in Ohio and across the Midwest,” said Brown. “I fought for the investment to make Amtrak expansion in Ohio possible – and I will keep fighting to make sure that Ohio receives these critical infrastructure projects.”
Although this is only the first step, it’s a very exciting one.
Featured image by G. Edward Johnson, via Wikimedia Commons.
