Columbus, OH – Joined by the governors of seven other Midwest states, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate regional efforts to secure federal funding for development of the Chicago Hub High-Speed Rail Corridor, including Ohio’s 3C Passenger Rail Plan, at the Midwest High Speed Rail Summit in Chicago.
“The agreement signed today demonstrates the importance of Ohio and the 3C Corridor to the Chicago Hub. It also commits the Midwest to work together to bring high-speed rail to our region,” said Strickland.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Governor Strickland, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, Iowa Governor Chet Culver, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jolene M. Molitoris also participated in the event.
“A modern transportation system that includes passenger rail service enhances the quality of life for those in its proximity, revitalizes our cities and boosts the economic development and growth potential of a region,” Strickland said. “I thank President Obama and the Congress for their visionary leadership and commitment to expanding passenger rail service in the United States.”
Ohio’s 3C Corridor will connect Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati as part of President Barack Obama’s nationally-prioritized Chicago Hub Network - which connects with Toledo, Louisville, Indianapolis and Chicago to the western United States.
“Ohio’s central location makes our state the connection between the Chicago Hub to the west and the Northeast Corridor to the east,” Strickland said. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow governors and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to make the Midwest a regional leader in high-speed rail and move our state into the future.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has made $8 billion in funds available for passenger rail service, and this MOU establishes a Midwest Rail Steering Committee to coordinate the region’s efforts to secure resources.
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown also offered his support of the collaborative effort.
“You can’t have a nationwide passenger rail system without Ohio,” Brown said. “This agreement, coupled with new federal funds through the economic recovery package, will make the 3C corridor one step closer to becoming a reality. High-speed rail is critical to the long-term economic competiveness of our region. By connecting Ohio’s largest cities with others cities in the Midwest, we can bring jobs and economic development to our state.”
Restoring passenger rail service at conventional speed is Ohio’s first step toward implementing a high speed rail network connecting Ohio to the Midwest and the rest of the country.
With ARRA funding, Ohio would have initial conventional-speed service running by 2011. Ohio is seeking at least $250 million and up to $400 million in ARRA resources for the 3C "Quick Start" Passenger Rail Plan.
Applications for ARRA resources are due in October. The text can be found here.