Inside Transportation

From Capital Partnerships LLC

Midwest Passenger Rail System has Big Payoffs

The Midwest Regional Rail Report released yesterday shows that Ohio would see $ 1.2 Billion to $ 2.3 Billion in enhanced rail service and user benefits. The proposed 3,000 mile network through 9 mid-western states would link Ohio via Toledo and Cleveland to major east and mid-Atlantic cities and Chicago. A second Ohio route from Chicago to Cincinnati is also a part of the Midwest Plan. Improved on-time performance by new trains running at 110 mph at existing and new station stops forms the Plan’s foundation. The Ohio Hub Economic Impact Statement is expected to be released by the ORDC in a few weeks. Acting Director Dietrich noted many similarities between the multi-state report and preliminary Ohio analysis.

Water Projects Beware

Although not a formal veto announcement, this week the White House signaled its opposition to the $13.2 Billion in water projects within the House WRDA bill. Over $1.8 Billion in projects exceeds budget limitations, they argue. The bill is long overdue and has been susceptible to contentious debate for months. Congress has not authorized WRDA since 2000 although it is supposed to every two years! House Floor debate began on Wednesday with House Chairman Oberstar rewriting the peer review provisions due to another key Administration demand. The 2005 Hurricane Katrina bill limited peer reviews to 180 days but the White House wants their work period to be extended if project revisions are substantial.

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