Great numbers! But I didn't realize that white born-again Christians was a survey poll ethnic group!

Notice that the younger people said that they were more likely to use the rail service.

 

 

Brain drain anyone?

This is from our friends in Toledo. The bill affects them as well as 3-C Corridor cities...

 

Dear TMACOG Passenger Rail Committee:

 

An ongoing effort of this committee is to provide good information to our legislators about our region's need for more and better passenger rail service.  IT'S TIME FOR SOME MORE EDUCATION.

 

->The GOOD news: the draft Ohio transportation budget bill -- House Bill 2 -- has language critical to moving forward with passenger rail, including (thanks to Rep Ujvagi) rail connections to Toledo. 

 

->The BAD news is that -- according to informed sources -- the Ohio Senate is likely to delete it all. (This week.)

 

The passenger rail sections of HB 2 do two things:

-Position Ohio to compete with other states for all the federal funds that are just coming available

-Urge attention to Cleveland-Toledo and Columbus-Toledo routes (not just the 3C corridor)

 

This bill is moving fast, to be signed into law by April 1.  NOW IS THE TIME to call legislators in both the Ohio House and Senate to familiarize them with the high level of priority our region places on passenger rail. 

The message:

-Implementing the Ohio Hub in our region is in  the top 10 of 2035 Plan priority projects.

-The economic impact of the Ohio Hub on our region will be significant, measured in both business development and jobs created

 

For more details:

 

Here are passages in question in HB 2:

Section 503.20. PASSENGER RAIL  [emphasis added] 

full bill text at www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText128/128_HB_2_PH_N.html

The Ohio Rail Development Commission and the Director of Transportation MAY COMPETE FOR FEDERAL FUNDING to support the initiation of passenger rail service in Ohio. Any study used for planning and developing any intercity passenger rail project shall include an analysis of market demand, projected ridership, ongoing operating costs, economic impact, and the relationship with freight rail. Construction or operation of an intercity passenger rail project may not begin until the Director of Transportation or the Ohio Rail Development Commission completes such a study. Expenditures for the construction or operation of an intercity passenger rail project shall be approved by the Controlling Board.

 

Sec. 4981.40. In any overall programmatic environmental impact study or other comprehensive high-speed rail project development study, the department of transportation and the rail development commission shall include all federally designated high-speed rail corridors in Ohio and all passenger rail corridors in the Ohio hub study.

 

The department of transportation and the rail development commission shall work with Amtrak to improve existing service BETWEEN TOLEDO AND CLEVELAND with a goal of creating optimum service to connect the planned Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati service.

 

The department of transportation and the rail development commission shall examine the financial and economic feasibility of developing a passenger rail system BETWEEN TOLEDO AND COLUMBUS, including necessary characteristics of a viable connection between the cities.

If S. 503.20 is removed:

ORDC would not be able to advance the 3-C corridor startup service beyond the Amtrak Study.

The federal stimulus rail sections are on a competitive basis, if we do  not have any approval to actually operate trains, that can not be looked upon  favorably when we are competing against other states that have been operating  active passenger rail service for years.

Cooperation of both Amtrak and the freight railroads will be jeopardized.  One of the first questions from both Amtrak and the Class 1 railroads was “How  serious is Ohio about running passenger rail?“ Norfolk Southern operates in 22  states and CSX operates in 23 states. Amtrak has passenger responsibility for 14  states running state sponsored service in addition to their national network  that is their sole responsibility. With renewed interest in passenger rail, all of these states and Amtrak have their own plans to advance passenger rail. Ohio  will be in competition for resources of the freight railroads and Amtrak. The  negative message that removal of the language would send can not be  underestimated. Bottom line, I believe Ohio would go to the end of the line in terms of  passenger rail development.

Ohio is pursuing a very aggressive schedule for passenger rail  implementation. Ohio has been trying to  perform multiple tasks simultaneously that would otherwise be conducted in a  linear fashion. We could pursue planning and negotiation with railroads and  Amtrak, but then would require General Assembly approval for such things as  equipment purchases and capital improvements. This could a year or more to the  process if we had to wait for the next capital bill or the 2012-2013 operating  budget.

That covers the “hard facts” but the loss of momentum will be devastating.  After years of literally working in the background, passenger rail is on the  verge of moving into the mainstream. The message that it sends to the citizens  of Ohio and the rest of the country is not a progressive or forward-looking one.

 

So, again, if you feel that our state should compete for federal funding (and right now there IS federal funding available to states) and if you wish to see Toledo corridors advanced in addition to the 3C corridor, please let our region's legislators know that passenger rail is a high priority for our region.

This is from our friends in Toledo. The bill affects them as well as 3-C Corridor cities...

 

Dear TMACOG Passenger Rail Committee:

 

An ongoing effort of this committee is to provide good information to our legislators about our region's need for more and better passenger rail service.  IT'S TIME FOR SOME MORE EDUCATION.

 

->The GOOD news: the draft Ohio transportation budget bill -- House Bill 2 -- has language critical to moving forward with passenger rail, including (thanks to Rep Ujvagi) rail connections to Toledo. 

 

->The BAD news is that -- according to informed sources -- the Ohio Senate is likely to delete it all. (This week.)

 

The passenger rail sections of HB 2 do two things:

-Position Ohio to compete with other states for all the federal funds that are just coming available

-Urge attention to Cleveland-Toledo and Columbus-Toledo routes (not just the 3C corridor)

 

This bill is moving fast, to be signed into law by April 1.  NOW IS THE TIME to call legislators in both the Ohio House and Senate to familiarize them with the high level of priority our region places on passenger rail. 

The message:

-Implementing the Ohio Hub in our region is in  the top 10 of 2035 Plan priority projects.

-The economic impact of the Ohio Hub on our region will be significant, measured in both business development and jobs created

 

For more details:

 

Here are passages in question in HB 2:

Section 503.20. PASSENGER RAIL  [emphasis added] 

full bill text at www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText128/128_HB_2_PH_N.html

The Ohio Rail Development Commission and the Director of Transportation MAY COMPETE FOR FEDERAL FUNDING to support the initiation of passenger rail service in Ohio. Any study used for planning and developing any intercity passenger rail project shall include an analysis of market demand, projected ridership, ongoing operating costs, economic impact, and the relationship with freight rail. Construction or operation of an intercity passenger rail project may not begin until the Director of Transportation or the Ohio Rail Development Commission completes such a study. Expenditures for the construction or operation of an intercity passenger rail project shall be approved by the Controlling Board.

 

Sec. 4981.40. In any overall programmatic environmental impact study or other comprehensive high-speed rail project development study, the department of transportation and the rail development commission shall include all federally designated high-speed rail corridors in Ohio and all passenger rail corridors in the Ohio hub study.

 

The department of transportation and the rail development commission shall work with Amtrak to improve existing service BETWEEN TOLEDO AND CLEVELAND with a goal of creating optimum service to connect the planned Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati service.

 

The department of transportation and the rail development commission shall examine the financial and economic feasibility of developing a passenger rail system BETWEEN TOLEDO AND COLUMBUS, including necessary characteristics of a viable connection between the cities.

If S. 503.20 is removed:

ORDC would not be able to advance the 3-C corridor startup service beyond the Amtrak Study.

The federal stimulus rail sections are on a competitive basis, if we do  not have any approval to actually operate trains, that can not be looked upon  favorably when we are competing against other states that have been operating  active passenger rail service for years.

Cooperation of both Amtrak and the freight railroads will be jeopardized.  One of the first questions from both Amtrak and the Class 1 railroads was “How  serious is Ohio about running passenger rail?“ Norfolk Southern operates in 22  states and CSX operates in 23 states. Amtrak has passenger responsibility for 14  states running state sponsored service in addition to their national network  that is their sole responsibility. With renewed interest in passenger rail, all of these states and Amtrak have their own plans to advance passenger rail. Ohio  will be in competition for resources of the freight railroads and Amtrak. The  negative message that removal of the language would send can not be  underestimated. Bottom line, I believe Ohio would go to the end of the line in terms of  passenger rail development.

Ohio is pursuing a very aggressive schedule for passenger rail  implementation. Ohio has been trying to  perform multiple tasks simultaneously that would otherwise be conducted in a  linear fashion. We could pursue planning and negotiation with railroads and  Amtrak, but then would require General Assembly approval for such things as  equipment purchases and capital improvements. This could a year or more to the  process if we had to wait for the next capital bill or the 2012-2013 operating  budget.

That covers the “hard facts” but the loss of momentum will be devastating.  After years of literally working in the background, passenger rail is on the  verge of moving into the mainstream. The message that it sends to the citizens  of Ohio and the rest of the country is not a progressive or forward-looking one.

 

So, again, if you feel that our state should compete for federal funding (and right now there IS federal funding available to states) and if you wish to see Toledo corridors advanced in addition to the 3C corridor, please let our region's legislators know that passenger rail is a high priority for our region.

The Ohio Environmental Council, in conjunction with All Aboard Ohio and the Ohio Sierra Club, held a press conference this morning in which they brought Patrick Simmons to discuss the benefits North Carolina has witnessed since it’s creation of passenger rail. 

 

Mr. Simmons is the Director of the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division and explained the success North Carolina has seen since it’s initial foray into passenger rail.  Some interesting details:

 

-The most densely populated corridor in the U.S. without passenger rail is the 3C corridor with an average of 273 people per square mile.  North Carolina preexisting route has a average density of 165 people per square mile.

 

-Passenger rail costs on average 14 cents per passenger mile. Much lower than the 54 cents per passenger mile cost of a automobile.

 

-The Ohio Legislative Service Commission estimated the ticket cost from Cleveland to Columbus about $20 each way

 

-North Carolina experienced a 24% growth in passengers when the gas price spiked to $4.  Additionally and subsequently to that, they have experienced an additional 7% increase in ridership after gas prices subsided to $2.

 

-N.C. passenger rail has a operating cost of $20 million and only 25% ($5 million) is shouldered by state subsidies the rest is made up by ticket fares.

 

-In N.C., the passenger rail has led to a more timely and reliable freight rail system.  In addition, 4/5 of investment in passenger rail was applicable to freight rail.

 

-N.C. has invested capital costs of over the last decade of $60 million for two lines of a total distance of 174 miles.

 

-Stations also used as community spaces (e.g. chamber of commerce meetings ect.)

 

-Return on investment from stations was on average 1.45 not including peripheral development.

 

-NC travel time is automotive competitive with more amenities.  It travels 174 miles with seven stops in 3 hours 7 min.

 

For more information please see:

http://www.theoec.org/PDFs/PressReleases/3-16-09_Media%20Advisory_FINAL.pdf

 

I was able to dial in on my cell phone and listen while I was working.  I thought the press conference went very well.  I have to commend Bill Cohen at the Statehouse News Bureau for asking all of the questions being asked by the skeptics and I have to commend KJP, Jack Shaner from the OEC, and Patrick Simmons for how well they answered them! 

 

 

Patrick Simmons was very interesting.  North Carolina has to be one of the most progressive conservative states in the country when it comes to transportation.

-N.C. passenger rail has a operating cost of $20 million and only 25% ($5 million) is shouldered by state subsidies the rest is made up by ticket fares.

 

That's a better farebox recovery than public transit.  Too bad Senator Patton doesn't get it...

Senator Patton appears to have had his mind made up to block this even before it got to the hearings.

Ughh....I can't stand this state sometimes! :x

 

There's a reason new businesses don't want to locate/stay in OH (same with college grads): BECAUSE IT'S STILL 19-F'ING-52 IN THIS DAMN STATE!

 

I've almost had it; unless you have a car, want 2.5 white children and a wife named Barb this isn't the state for you. I know it doesn't "help the cause" or whatever, but I'm about to do what it takes to help MY cause (i.e. my life/sanity) and bounce from this state the first chance I get. I can't stand how anything even SLIGHTLY progressive project here gets scuttled and then people complain about what a sh*thole this place is....Well I'm starting to agree.

 

Ohio is exactly the same place it was when I was born (and I've lived here since); nothing's changed. I'd really rather not wait until I'm 65 to be able to take a train going 45-mph to the (at that point) Third-World cities of Cincinnati or Cleveland. There's no investment in anything close to my heart here because it all gets sunk by the GOP unless it's for a new "American Heritage Truth Center" or something like that; the stranglehold they have on the politics and minds of OH keeps anything from getting done. Couple that with the spineless Dems that come into power once every 47 years and I think I'd rather just go to another state and join the rest of the world in the 21st century.

 

</rant>

 

Now that I've vented, I hope this Sen Patton character doesn't ruin this; I've sent my (more calmly worded) thoughts to his office.

 

Thank you for your time  :-)

Ughh....I can't stand this state sometimes! :x

 

There's a reason new businesses don't want to locate/stay in OH (same with college grads): BECAUSE IT'S STILL 19-F'ING-52 IN THIS DAMN STATE!

 

I've almost had it; unless you have a car, want 2.5 white children and a wife named Barb this isn't the state for you. I know it doesn't "help the cause" or whatever, but I'm about to do what it takes to help MY cause (i.e. my life/sanity) and bounce from this state the first chance I get. I can't stand how anything even SLIGHTLY progressive project here gets scuttled and then people complain about what a sh*thole this place is....Well I'm starting to agree.

 

Ohio is exactly the same place it was when I was born (and I've lived here since); nothing's changed. I'd really rather not wait until I'm 65 to be able to take a train going 45-mph to the (at that point) Third-World cities of Cincinnati or Cleveland. There's no investment in anything close to my heart here because it all gets sunk by the GOP unless it's for a new "American Heritage Truth Center" or something like that; the stranglehold they have on the politics and minds of OH keeps anything from getting done. Couple that with the spineless Dems that come into power once every 47 years and I think I'd rather just go to another state and join the rest of the world in the 21st century.

 

</rant>

 

Now that I've vented, I hope this Sen Patton character doesn't ruin this; I've sent my (more calmly worded) thoughts to his office.

 

Thank you for your time  :)

 

Tell us how you really feel!  LOL

^teebtong... makes you want to move to a state that gives a darn, doesn't it? 

^Yeah; I feel terrible because fleeing frustration doesn't make anything better for the state, but...

 

 

Like I said, I just don't want to have to wait until I'm retired to have passenger rail in OH, passenger rail that at that point will be even FARTHER behind what the rest of the country/world has.  :|  I especially don't feel like waiting because I am blessed enough to be able to be mobile~

PS sorry for the rant earlier! I'm just tired of hearing about efforts to block something that seems to logical to me, but...

 

Welcome to Ohio!

Governor: Ted Strickland, Lieutenant Governor: Lee Fisher

^Yeah; I feel terrible because fleeing frustration doesn't make anything better for the state, but...

 

 

Like I said, I just don't want to have to wait until I'm retired to have passenger rail in OH, passenger rail that at that point will be even FARTHER behind what the rest of the country/world has.  :|  I especially don't feel like waiting because I am blessed enough to be able to be mobile~

 

Why should you be any different than me?  I'll probably be Dan or Rob's age before we have a passenger rail network.  >:D

 

Seriously, I know how you feel, I wanted to leave Cleveland (and Ohio for college in the early 80's) it wasn't until I left I realized how good we had it compared to other places.  I know it feels like we're constantly circling and living in the past, but we really have progressed in many areas.

 

Involved young folks like you are what will change the "old guard" and thinking here in Ohio. So be apart of the change you want.

What's suprising in the poll numbers is the support in SW Ohio, where you'd expect less support since its so conservative down here.

 

 

Involved young folks like you are what will change the "old guard" and thinking here in Ohio. So be apart of the change you want.

 

I think Ohios' backwardness is multigenerational. 

 

I think about this 3C.  This was talked about back when I was in college in KY, and defeated in the early 1980s via referendum.  That was 25 years ago or more. And now it looks like it is going to be defeated again, this time in the lege.

 

 

 

 

IT'S STILL 19-F'ING-52 IN THIS DAMN STATE!

 

Wrong. In 19f-ing52, this state still had an extensive rail system. We're all the way up to 19f-ing72 now.

Between All Aboard Ohio, Ohio Environmental Council, Sierra Club of Ohio, National Association of Railroad Passengers' Ohio members, Urban Ohio and the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments we've asked 10,000 people to contact Patton's office by e-mail and phone.

 

If there was just a 5% response rate, then he has been hit with 500 calls/e-mails. But I'd like to think the response rate was higher than that.

Between All Aboard Ohio, Ohio Environmental Council, Sierra Club of Ohio, National Association of Railroad Passengers' Ohio members, Urban Ohio and the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments we've asked 10,000 people to contact Patton's office by e-mail and phone.

 

If there was just a 5% response rate, then he has been hit with 500 calls/e-mails. But I'd like to think the response rate was higher than that.

 

Are you guys on Facebook and twitter?  Thats a great way to reach the voting youth (18-21 y/o)

I think Ohios' backwardness is multigenerational.

 

Actually, I would argue that it's not.  It's just that the savvy younger folks leave Ohio for places that happen to be more forward thinking.

 

 

I think Ohios' backwardness is multigenerational. 

 

Actually, I would argue that it's not.  It's just that the savvy younger folks leave Ohio for places that happen to be more forward thinking.

 

 

 

and bringing this back to Ohio...with so many places being unattractive and unaffordable for young folks, may are returning or not leaving so we have to do whats right to make our cities and states competitive.

 

The economy has been an evening factor.  Home prices and foreclosures in the Southeast and West coast coupled with still over inflated prices and high cost of living in the Northeast make Cleveland a prime city to catch those who want big city living at a more manageable cost.

 

We must do all we can to make Ohio attractive, but we cannot do it alone.

Wrong. In 19f-ing52, this state still had an extensive rail system. We're all the way up to 19f-ing72 now.

 

Hah..good one! 

 

Im just...I dont know....amazed?  bummed?....  that this 3-C concept has been around as long as it has and hasn't either died or been implemented.

 

 

 

 

 

The economy has been an evening factor.  Home prices and foreclosures in the Southeast and West coast coupled with still over inflated prices and high cost of living in the Northeast make Cleveland a prime city to catch those who want big city living at a more manageable cost.

 

 

Not just living. Much of the rust belt is economically poised to make a comeback in the manufacturing sector as well. The "flight" has not been experienced labor, but the young looking for opportunity. Brownfields are available for redevelopment as manufacturing sites and the state's access to water routes is key to moving large volumes of materials, inexpensively (assuming that rail is there, too).

 

This isn't just about train nostalgia. This is about making Ohio competitive, again.

 

^Excellent points.  The 3C becomes a silver bullet for what ails Ohio, the midwest, and the US.  I think that the GOP realizes that they won't be able to put the genie back in the bottle once it gets out.  Once a 3C is up and running then it will build from there to connect more and more cities as the efficiency of doing so magnifies the entirety of the line. 

From Governor Strickland's office:

 

PRESS RELEASE:

 

Ohio Professional Sports Teams Support Restoring Passenger Rail Service in Ohio

 

Columbus, Ohio – Several Ohio professional sports teams have announced their support for restoring passenger rail in Ohio, as outlined in the state biennial transportation budget.

 

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Crew, Cincinnati Bengals, Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Clippers have announced that they are on board with the plan for start-up rail service in the 3-C Corridor (Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton and Cincinnati).

 

“Our sports teams bring tremendous energy to our cities and attract people from across Ohio and outside the state for games and other activities that contribute to our economic vitality,” said Governor Ted Strickland. “In addition to important job-creating benefits, passenger rail will also provide more Ohioans with a practical and safe transportation alternative to enjoy Ohio’s world-class professional athletics.”

 

Several local officials have voiced their support for the passenger rail plan outlined in the transportation budget.

 

An updated list is below:

 

- Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory

- Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson

- Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman

- Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin

- Lima Mayor David Berger

- Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver*

- Mansfield City Council*

- Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland

- Cincinnati City Council

- Cleveland City Council

- Columbus City Council President Michael Mentel

- Delaware City Council

- Delaware Mayor Windell Wheeler

 

And the commissioners of Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton and Montgomery counties

*Denotes new supporters

 

^You can add the mayors of Berea and Brook Park to that list.

 

 

- Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver*

- Mansfield City Council*

 

I am so glad that the leaders in Mansfield (and our State Rep. Jay Goyal) are able to see the opportunities that a train service could do for the region (since the stop is most likely going to be in Galion, even though I think that it should be in Mansfield). Too bad State Senator Bill Harris doesn't support the 3-C (at least I don't think so, he has never given me a straight answer) and too bad Jim Jordan likes to cry "fiscal conservative" every time I ask him to support the 3-C.

Just did a little research into Senator Patton comparing him to all the other Senators in the State of Ohio via the State Senators page.  My 5 minute research of 32 senators, 1 is vacant, concluded that he has the least amount of education by far than any other Senator.  How in the H#LL did he get to be Committee chairman as a first term Senator?  His education background says "Attended CSU"  His occupation says he's a biz consultant for a printer/copier repair company.  It looks to me that every other Senator has at least a 4yr degree.  Many, if not most, have more degrees or certifications beyond that.  Why would people in Strongsville, where Patton is from, vote in someone so apparently inexperienced?

Ohio Senate OKs rail plan; GOP still skeptical

March 17, 2009

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20090317/UPDATES01/90317033

 

COLUMBUS (AP) — Republicans who control the Ohio Senate will allow the state to pursue $250 million in federal stimulus funding for passenger rail service between major cities.

 

 

But they want the full Legislature to approve any construction if Ohio gets the money. The Senate Highways and Transportation Committee made the stipulation Tuesday in the two-year transportation budget.

 

The House version of the budget would only require approval from the state Controlling Board, where Democrats have a majority. The Senate version is scheduled to go to the floor Wednesday, after which the two chambers will have to work out differences.

 

Senate Republicans are concerned about the cost of maintaining the rail system and are skeptical that enough Ohioans will use it.

 

 

THIS IS A HUGE VICTORY!!!

 

The Ohio Senate Highways and Transportation Committee has just distributed

a summary of an "omnibus" amendment that it is about to adopt.

 

The summary includes this provision:

 

"Authorizes ODOT or Ohio Rail Development Commission to apply for federal

passenger rail funding, but specifies that prior to any expenditure of

funds received, those funds shall be appropriated by the General

Assembly."

 

The committee has recessed to give committee members time to consider this

and many other provisions in the "omnibus" amendment.

Yes and no. It's not a complete victory -- it's a beginning. We need to build on the momentum we've generated in the last week or so to keep the spotlight on rail and the heat on legislators. Especially Republicans, who have been dragging their feet, but also on Democrats, who have not been as vocal and emphatic as they could be (perhaps a couple of exceptions). We need to make arguments, back them with data, and get information in the hands of all legislators, the administration, newspapers, blogs, TV, radio, and people on the street. We need to generate enough buzz now so that when this finally comes before the General Assembly again it will be a slam-dunk.

Still a win.  This shows what can be done when people let their reps know what they want.

 

I am told that Senator Patton alone got over 500 phone calls in one day!

 

Savor the win.  We've come a long way.  But UrbanSurfin is right... there is much to do and this is no time to let up.

^We have the data.  We have the facts.  They went into an information packet that was distributed at the press conference today and distributed to the legislature.  What we need now is a well organized machine made up of all the different groups that made this possible (listed in no particular order):  All Aboard Ohio, The Ohio Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Progress Ohio, Rail Labor, local and county governments, chambers of commerce, and the business community,etc  (I'm told Progress Ohio alone organized 8,000 phone calls). 

 

The next step is for all the different parties that supported this to come together and put together a strategy for the next step.  It looks like we're going to get about 5 months to get ready (Amtrak study comes out in August).  Let's get to it!

Just did a little research into Senator Patton comparing him to all the other Senators in the State of Ohio via the State Senators page.  My 5 minute research of 32 senators, 1 is vacant, concluded that he has the least amount of education by far than any other Senator.  How in the H#LL did he get to be Committee chairman as a first term Senator?  His education background says "Attended CSU"  His occupation says he's a biz consultant for a printer/copier repair company.  It looks to me that every other Senator has at least a 4yr degree.  Many, if not most, have more degrees or certifications beyond that.  Why would people in Strongsville, where Patton is from, vote in someone so apparently inexperienced?

 

They voted him for 8 years in the House.  He jumped to the Senate after he was term limited. At least he finally compromised.  We still have our work cut out though.  There's still plenty of skepticism in the Ohio Senate. 

 

 

The wording of the amendment being posed by Patton may have some poison pills in it. It makes no reference to the possible use of Transportation Innovation Authorities for passenger rail. More clarification on this is needed. We probably won't know the details of what's in the amendment until morning, but All Aboard Ohio's guy is still in the committee hearing room as I write this. This will be a late-nighter, as lots of ODOT stuff is on the table, not just rail.

OK, here's the language which the committee is about to vote on.....

 

"The Ohio Rail Development Commission or the director of transportation may apply for federal funding for passenger rail made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. However, before any funds for passenger rail are expended, they shall be specifically appropriated by the general assembly."

Then the language should be modifed to add any federal funding. We'll have to go after this in committee.

It's official. The senate transportation committee voted on an omnibus ODOT budget bill for 2010-11 which contained the language as noted in my previous message. The vote was along party lines, with Republicans supporting the bill and Democrats against. The big issue was that the bill stripped the public safety funding from the bill, which the GOP said could be restored in the general operating budget which must be approved by July. BTW, an omnibus bill means a total rewrite with no amendments.

 

So there is passenger rail language in the senate bill. Now it's on to the conference committee. The general assembly has until the end of the month to approve ODOT's budget.

See also:

http://ohiopassengerrail.ning.com/

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 18, 2009

Contact:

Ken Prendergast

All Aboard Ohio Executive Director

(216) 288-4883

[email protected]

www.allaboardohio.org

 

In late-evening action March 17 by the Ohio Senate Highways and Transportation Committee, legislation was passed giving the Ohio Department of Transportation or the Ohio Rail Development Commission the go-ahead to compete for federal stimulus funding for passenger rail. This is an important step in the right direction for the committee whose chairman was rumored to be intent on stripping all passenger rail language from House Bill 2, the ODOT biennial budget bill for 2010-11.

 

An omnibus bill adopted by the Ohio Senate Highways and Transportation Committee reads in part: "The Ohio Rail Development Commission or the Director of Transportation may apply for federal funding for passenger rail made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. However, before any funds for passenger rail are expended, they shall be specifically appropriated by the general assembly."

 

The ODOT budget bill is scheduled to be voted on today by the full Ohio Senate. The final ODOT bill must be approved by the General Assembly by the end of this month.

 

"Getting this passenger rail language from the senate improves the chances of getting a better bill out of the House-Senate conference committee negotiations next week," said Ken Prendergast, executive director of All Aboard Ohio, a nonprofit advocacy association. "That's a step in the right direction. We will work with a growing coalition in support of passenger rail to take more steps forward."

 

See the bottom of this press release for a partial list of passenger rail supporters. But Prendergast noted that most of the rail support is coming from Ohio's citizens.

 

"I was told by someone close to the committee chairman that he received 1,000 phone calls, e-mails, letters and faxes asking him to support passenger rail development in Ohio," Prendergast said. "Word is he got 500 calls in just one day. That's called a groundswell and it apparently moved the chairman to rethink his earlier position to remove all of the passenger rail language from the bill."

 

Also on Tuesday, Quinnipiac University released a poll that showed 64 percent of Ohio voters support passenger rail service between Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati (3-C Corridor). Even though the poll was statewide and that passenger rail is still just an abstract concept for most Ohioans, a surprisingly large number of respondents said they would likely ride 3-C Corridor trains. Highest levels of support were among young adults, those with college degrees and women. Republicans supported passenger rail too, 56 percent to 38 percent. To see poll details, go to

http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1322.xml?ReleaseID=1276

 

"The fact that young people supported passenger rail more than those over the age of 55 shows that passenger rail isn't about taking a nostalgia trip," Prendergast said. "This is about jobs, nurturing vibrant communities around stations, and reversing Ohio's 'brain drain' to other states with better rail and transit services. It's about time Ohio got on board the brain gain train."

 

Supporters of starting modern passenger rail service in the 3-C Corridor include:

 

- Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem

- Brook Park Mayor Mark Elliott

- Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory

- Cincinnati City Council

- Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce

- Cincinnati Bengals

- Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson

- Cleveland City Council

- Cleveland Cavaliers

- Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman

- Columbus City Council President Michael Mentel

- Columbus Blue Jackets

- Columbus Clippers

- Columbus Crew

- Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin

- Delaware Mayor Windell Wheeler

- Delaware City Council

- Galion Chamber of Commerce

- Lima Mayor David Berger

- Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver

- Mansfield City Council

- Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland

- plus the Commissioners of Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton and Montgomery counties

 

All Aboard Ohio's mission is to achieve for the citizens of Ohio a modern, consumer-focused, statewide passenger rail and public transportation network that provides people with real travel choices they want and can use.

 

- END -

It should also be mentioned that a broad coalition of advocacy groups helped generate phone calls and e-mails to State Senators.  Among them:

 

All Aboard Ohio

National Association of Railroad Passengers

Transportation Matters

The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter

The League of Conservation Voters

Toledo Metro Area Council of Governments (Passenger Rail Committee)

Ohio Environmental Council

 

Transportation bill slashed

Rail corridor survives in state Senate, but work-zone cameras, seat-belt rule killed

Wednesday,  March 18, 2009 3:10 AM

By James Nash

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

State senators last night took a knife to many of the most controversial provisions of Gov. Ted Strickland's transportation plan, including tougher enforcement of Ohio's seat-belt law, cameras to catch speeders in construction zones and a requirement that drivers turn on their headlights in the rain.

 

The Senate's transportation committee did not, however, kill the most debated provision of the plan: a passenger-rail corridor connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati.

 

The Republican-led Senate had been expected to change parts of Strickland's two-year transportation budget, which had passed the House with the support of Strickland's fellow Democrats and only one Republican.

 

 

 

[email protected]

http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/03/18/DERAIL.ART_ART_03-18-09_B1_H8D96QM.html?sid=101

We need to make arguments, back them with data, and get information in the hands of all legislators, the administration, newspapers, blogs, TV, radio, and people on the street. We need to generate enough buzz now so that when this finally comes before the General Assembly again it will be a slam-dunk.

 

We need to distill the facts down to talking points that will fit into a 15 second, or less, sound byte, which is about as much time as anyone will spend listening. It is a lot easier for the nay-sayers to say "What's this gonna cost?" than it is for the advocates to spell out the benefits.

 

This was an unexpected victory considering how this discussion was trending around Patton and the GOP-dominated committee. 

 

 

This was an unexpected victory considering how this discussion was trending around Patton and the GOP-dominated committee.  

 

Perhaps. Or, perhaps, the Republicans decided that this just wasn't the right time to oppose it since they probably expect that final bill will return authorization of the financing to the legislature where they can, then, defeat it. As it is, they are only authorizing the state to proceed with making a proposal (something which would have been nonsensical to oppose).

 

That is why I am agreed that we cannot let up with efforts to press the legislature and inform the public. It isn't so much that we won as that we didn't lose, yet.

 

It should also be mentioned that a broad coalition of advocacy groups helped generate phone calls and e-mails to State Senators. Among them:

 

All Aboard Ohio

National Association of Railroad Passengers

Transportation Matters

The Sierra Club Ohio Chapter

The League of Conservation Voters

Toledo Metro Area Council of Governments (Passenger Rail Committee)

Ohio Environmental Council

 

 

And, as I was reminded in a phone call this noon from Dennis Kucinich's office, that 16 bipartisan members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation supported 3-C Corridor in a letter they co-signed last summer. A copy of the letter appears here:

 

http://www.allaboardohio.org/cms/images/uploads/Amtrak_Ohio_Delegation_Letter.PDF

I know a lot of people may not want to do this, but I think it would be a good idea to call/e-mail Senator Patton and thank him for listening to Ohioans and not stripping the 3-C provision from the bill.  Let's take the high road.

 

On another note:  I agree with seanmcl, this isn't over yet.  This was just the beginning. 

This was an unexpected victory considering how this discussion was trending around Patton and the GOP-dominated committee.

 

Perhaps. Or, perhaps, the Republicans decided that this just wasn't the right time to oppose it ...

Perhaps they* decided it was a good time to pander to their constituents for once.  :) 

 

* could easily apply to both parties

Article published March 19, 2009

Ohio Senate backs passenger-train plan

By JIM PROVANCE

BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF

 

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Senate yesterday kept Gov. Ted Strickland's proposed restoration of passenger rail on track, but rejected his proposals for speed cameras in highway construction zones, a tougher seat-belt law, and new tolling authority for roads far from the Ohio Turnpike.

 

The Republican-controlled chamber voted 22-9 to return the dramatically rewritten, $6.2 billion transportation budget to the Democrat-controlled House. The two-year budget is likely headed for a joint Senate-House conference committee to iron out a compromise that Mr. Strickland would sign.

 

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090319/NEWS24/903190363

At 9 a.m. today WCPN 90.3FM will be covering the topic of 3-C Corridor. The question they are posing to listeners is: "Will you ride 3-C Corridor trains?"

 

Please call in and let them know. If you want to ride trains in other Ohio corridors, let them know that too!

 

Call in: 216-578-0903

E-mail: [email protected]

 

To listen live from anywhere: http://www.wcpn.org/

 

 

Thanks!

The general message should be something along the lines of:

 

"Thank you for your vote in support of pursuing federal stimulus funds for the 3-C Corridor passenger trains [all members of the conference supported seeking the federal funds]. That's a good start. But I want the trains sooner rather than later, so I ask you to make a decision now on supporting 3-C Corridor rather than have to come back to the general assembly in five or six months when Amtrak's study is done and do this all over again. That's why I am asking you to give the oversight to the State Controlling Board so it can approve bids and contracts for this important project."

_____________________

 

The conference committee will likely be:

 

Rep. Peter Ujvagi (D-47)

Chair - Transportation and Justice Subcommittee

(614) 644-6017

[email protected]

 

Rep. John Patrick Carney (D-22) or Rep. Michael Skindell (D-13)

Member - Transportation and Justice Subcommittee (the vice chair's seat is vacant)

Carney: (614) 466-2473

[email protected]

 

Skindell: (614) 466-5921

[email protected]

 

Rep. Ross McGregor (R-72)

Ranking Minority Member - Transportation and Justice Subcommittee

(614) 466-2038

[email protected]

 

Senator Tom Patton (R-24)

Chair - Highways & Transportation

(614) 466-8056

[email protected]

 

Senator Steve Buehrer (R-1)

Vice Chair - Highways & Transportation

(614) 466-8150

[email protected]

 

Senator Nina Turner (D-25)

Ranking Minority Member - Highways & Transportation

(614) 466-4583

[email protected]