Not in Ireland! ;)

 

No offense taken.

Not in Ireland! ;)

 

No offense taken.

Sounds like a Prod name to me.  :wink:

 

back on topic...do the people you talk to show concern about Issue 9 down here affecting 3C? (while i think Issue 9 is dangerously written, i'm curious if some of the hype is a little overblown or if it could in fact screw up stuff like 3C)

Dear Ohio Contractors Association, take note: Not all construction interests want your "It's the highway or no way" approach. Here's a very good article from a magazine for Midwest construction interests....

 

Sept. 19, 2009

Construction Equipment Guide - Midwest Edition

3-C Corridor High-Speed Rail Proposed for Passenger Use

By: Linda J. Hutchinson

 

Ohio’s 3-C Quick Start program will build on the basics of rails, signals, and stops, in preparation for the HSR to be built at a later date.

 

America has spent $1.8 trillion and 60 years building one of the most advanced highway and aviation systems in the world. Rising energy costs, pollution and other environmental concerns, and increasing congestion at airports and on roadways, means that other methods of moving people and freight must be implemented.

 

To read the rest of this article...........

 

http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/3-C-Corridor-High-Speed-Rail-Proposed-for-Passenger-Use/13351/

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090925/OPINION02/909250330

 

 

Editorial published September 25, 2009

 

Keep Toledo on track

 

AN AMTRAK draft study that's key in Ohio's application to obtain federal stimulus funds for 79-mph passenger rail service would link Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton by 2011. Though Toledo is not on the initial route, it is not left out, and that's a good thing.

 

Providing the state is awarded any of the $8 billion in federal stimulus money earmarked for rail projects, the Amtrak report says that based on the 6 million people who live on the 255-mile route from Cleveland, Columbus, and into Cincinnati, 478,000 people would patronize the new service in its first year.

 

Read full editorial at the link above:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090925/OPINION02/909250330

 

 

Editorial published September 25, 2009

 

Keep Toledo on track

 

AN AMTRAK draft study that's key in Ohio's application to obtain federal stimulus funds for 79-mph passenger rail service would link Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton by 2011. Though Toledo is not on the initial route, it is not left out, and that's a good thing.

 

Providing the state is awarded any of the $8 billion in federal stimulus money earmarked for rail projects, the Amtrak report says that based on the 6 million people who live on the 255-mile route from Cleveland, Columbus, and into Cincinnati, 478,000 people would patronize the new service in its first year.

 

Read full editorial at the link above:

an interesting argument against light and heavy rail, that identifies many costs, but not all of them. (this article was posted as a comment rebuttal to the need for commuter rail in Ohio on the Columbus Dispatch website)

http://virginianewssource.com/wallyerb/blog1.php/2009/08/17/light-rail-behind-the-times

 

how would you respond to this line of thinking?

Without being able to see any of his calculations first thing I would mention is that LRT encourages denser settlement patterns and encourages people to travel less.  I would also look at alternative energy mandates in the different states, even if the rail presently ran on coal many states have XX% by renewables mandated for a certain year. You could also look at denser settlment patterns leading to less CO2 by retaining CO2 sinking tree cover and preventing new roads from being built; add in the greater heating retention of mutli unit buildings over single family housing.

 

 

3C Facebook page has 979 “friends” in barely a week….still time to push it over 1,000 ….so spread the word.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-3C-Quick-Start-Passenger-Rail-Plan/134456767470

 

It's over 1,200 now and from a variety of states outside of Ohio too:  Maine, Minnesota, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, and Missouri (to name a few...)

 

 

an interesting argument against light and heavy rail, that identifies many costs, but not all of them. (this article was posted as a comment rebuttal to the need for commuter rail in Ohio on the Columbus Dispatch website)

http://virginianewssource.com/wallyerb/blog1.php/2009/08/17/light-rail-behind-the-times

 

how would you respond to this line of thinking?

 

The fact that this blogger mentions the involvement of Libertarian gadfly Randall O'Toole diminishes any credibly he may have hoped for, as O'Toole has made a living out of attacking rail and mass transit with fuzzy math and statements suggesting it would be cheaper to just buy everyone an SUV.

 

:shoot:

Well, interestingly they include the carbon cost of building the rail system, but not the carbon cost of building the rail cars, or of the roads and private cars that go on them.  That's about as shoddy (and since they probably know better, shady) an accounting as one could do.

Without being able to see any of his calculations first thing I would mention is that LRT encourages denser settlement patterns and encourages people to travel less. I would also look at alternative energy mandates in the different states, even if the rail presently ran on coal many states have XX% by renewables mandated for a certain year. You could also look at denser settlment patterns leading to less CO2 by retaining CO2 sinking tree cover and preventing new roads from being built; add in the greater heating retention of mutli unit buildings over single family housing.

 

 

 

Great points.

Without being able to see any of his calculations first thing I would mention is that LRT encourages denser settlement patterns and encourages people to travel less.

 

 

Exactly. When I've done calculations on the reduction of energy consumption and thus pollution emissions, there is a modest savings from switching the few motorists to rail. But the greatest savings come from the change in land use patterns, which only a fixed facility investment like rail can spur by encouraging confidence by developers/investors that the rail facility will be there for a long time to service their real estate product.

 

How often to people take the train across the state or even to work? Not as often as the trips that are made as part of our daily lives. Way back in college during my studies in urban transportation, the general rule of thumb was that each home in a suburban setting generated an average of 10 vehicle trips per day while an urban home required one-fourth that. Some suburban trips were shared among houses, such as the postal truck driving from mailbox to mailbox by the street, or several runs of school buses stopping at every third driving or so, or the weekly garbage truck, and the occasional UPS/FedEx truck. But a husband and wife made four trips -- each to/from work. Often the family went out for the evening, or picked up their kids from after-school activities, or went shopping, etc. etc. It all adds up, especially in a low-density suburban setting of subdivided land uses where driving is required.

 

It is no accident that the highway lobby decades ago pushed for land use reform, zoning laws, etc. that require more vehicle trips. They continue to claim it is the American Dream, as if there was just one pre-packaged, one-size-fits-all dream. Randy O'Toole is among those who still want us to drink that Kool-Aid.

 

Anyway.... In the urban setting, nearly all of these trips are made on foot, bicycle or on a transit vehicle. But because the transit vehicle is a pedestrian destination, it is accounted for in the same manner as a walk to the corner store.

 

The short story is that the urban setting, which grows in a compact, mixed-use form around a fixed facility investment like rail, is much less energy intensive and therefore emits far fewer pollutants.

 

Bus transit fixed facilities, like BRT, can promote some density. And it is probably a reasonable compromise for transit-skittish cities while also keeping the pavement-rubber-petroleum cabal happier than if a city sought electrified rail. But since the cabal used buses as a step between getting rid of trains/streetcars and eventually getting urban Americans into cars, so might buses be used as a step toward moving the pendulum back.

Senators Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich are circulating a joint letter of support (for Ohio's 3C "Quick Start" stimulus application to the FRA) from Ohio's Congressional Delegation. Sign-on date is COB on Thursday, October 1st. 

 

See the joint 3C letter at:

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Rail/Programs/passenger/3CisME/Pages/LettersofSupport.aspx

 

Contact info for U.S. Senate:

http://www.senate.gov/

 

Contact Info for U.S. House of Reps.:

http://www.house.gov/

 

It would send a great message to have the entire Ohio delegation "on board" and your help is both critical and appreciated in drumming up support in these districts. Urge these members of Ohio's delegation to contact Senators Brown and Voinovich and show support for the 3C "Quick Start" application to both US DOT Secretary LaHood and Federal Railroad Administrator Joe Szabo.

 

Please turn out tomorrow to support passenger rail development in Ohio!

 

ORDC and ODOT are planning rallies for Thursday, October 1st in Columbus and Cleveland to “rally for rail!” and the 3C "Quick Start" Passenger Rail Plan, which will be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration this week for consideration for federal stimulus dollars.

 

Columbus "Rally for Rail":  9:30 AM at the Union Station Arch on Nationwide Blvd in the Arena District.

 

Confirmed Columbus speakers include host and emcee Ty Marsh, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber,  ODOT Director Jolene Molitoris, Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Pat McDaniel and Ohio Rail Development Commission Executive Director Matt Dietrich. Several surprise guests are expected!

 

Cleveland "Rally for Rail":  3:00 PM at the Cleveland Lake Front Amtrak Station

 

Confirmed Cleveland speakers include Cleveland Mayor Jackson, ODOT Director Jolene Molitoris, Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Pat McDaniel and Ohio Rail Development Commission Executive Director Matt Dietrich. Several surprise guests are expected!

 

Show Washington, D.C. the depth and breadth of public support for both the 3C Quick Start and for more, faster and better passenger rail service in Ohio. 

 

Between our new Facebook friends and your networks in Ohio, you can make a good turnout for the "Rally for Rail" events happen!

Some utterly shameless self-promotion....

 

http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20091001/OPINION02/910010310/1014/OPINION

 

Why does the highway lobby oppose state's 3C rail plan?

By Ken Prendergast • Guest Columnist • October 1, 2009

 

  With the ink not yet dry on Amtrak's draft 3C "Quick Start" passenger rail plan, representatives of the Ohio Trucking Association, Ohio Petroleum Marketers Association and the Ohio Contractors Association were making the rounds at the Oho Statehouse, telling legislators what a bad deal trains would be for Ohio. Among the fears they sought to stir up was that 3C trains would take money from roads and transit.

 

......

http://www.soapboxmedia.com:80/devnews/0929cincinnatistation.aspx

 

Lunken Airport seen as "temporary" solution for Cincinnati's 3C Corridor station

Soapbox, 9/29/2009

 

Officials looking to restore passenger rail service between Ohio's largest cities have announced a temporary location near Lunken Airport for Cincinnati's primary train station for the 3-C Corridor.  Previous discussions about a station near the Montgomery Inn Boathouse near Downtown were quickly squashed with concerns from nearby residents.

 

Some good quotes in here by community leaders along the 3C route. Good thing we can post full press releases here so that people don't have to go to newspaper sites anymore and look for articles there!  :evil:

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/news/Pages/Ohio%E2%80%99s3C%E2%80%9CQuickStart%E2%80%9DPassengerRailPlanOhioSubmitsStrongApplicationfor%E2%80%98PremierPassengerRailCorridor%E2%80%99.aspx

 

Ohio’s 3C “Quick Start” Passenger Rail Plan:

 

Ohio Submits Strong Application for

‘Premier Passenger Rail Corridor’

 

COLUMBUS (Thursday, October 1, 2009) - With statewide support stretching across public and private sectors, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Rail Development Commission today began the process of submitting the state’s federal application for the Ohio 3C “Quick Start” Passenger Rail Plan, calling it one of the strongest contenders for stimulus funding.

 

“The 3C Corridor is Ohio’s premier intercity passenger rail corridor that touches 60% of all Ohioans who live within 15 miles of the corridor,” said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris. “The corridor is tailor-made for short distance service, and it is one of the best opportunities anywhere in the nation to bring this type of travel choice to those who currently do not have it.”

 

“Development of passenger rail along the 3C Corridor not only creates jobs, it spurs economic development in our urban cities. Linking Ohio’s downtown areas encourages travel to and within our state, allowing people to easily shop in our stores, eat at local restaurants, and explore downtown entertainment  - both as visitors and as residents on their way to and from work, school and home,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel.

 

Director Molitoris and Director Patt-McDaniel joined ORDC Executive Director Matt Dietrich at rallies in Columbus and Cleveland to officially begin Ohio’s application submission, seeking a share of $8 billion in federal passenger rail funds made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

Starting today, Ohio will begin uploading its application information to the Federal Railroad Administration, meeting the October 2nd deadline for stimulus fund. The application details the state’s plans for investing, constructing, and operating a passenger rail service corridor that would serve an estimated 478,000 passengers based on projections by Amtrak, the nation’s largest passenger rail service provider.

 

Updated to reflect the latest cost estimates, ridership and revenue projections, and extensive technical study, Ohio’s application requests $564 million in 100% federal stimulus funds.

 

Ohio’s 3C “Quick Start” Plan - connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati with medium speed 79 mph passenger trains - has drawn unprecedented support from citizens and elected officials, business owners and organized labor, sports teams and universities.

 

Among the highlights of Ohio’s 3C “Quick Start” application that make it stand out from other states:

 

Large Unmet Passenger Demand: Forecasts suggest that the 3C travel market is as strong, and possibly stronger than many of the other U.S. corridor markets currently served by Amtrak. Based on ridership projections, the 3C “Quick Start” service would rank as the nation’s 12th largest generator of passenger rail traffic.

 

Single Complete Package: Unlike other proposals that rely on corridors crossing state lines, the 3C “Quick Start” Plan identifies a 250-mile “direct route” all within Ohio’s borders, along the most efficient, cost-effective, and safest direct line of service, with six stops in downtown locations in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, as well as stops in west Cleveland and northern Hamilton County. The application also indentifies potential stops, including Springfield and the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Riverside.

 

Strong Financial Plan: The application requests $564 million in 100% federal stimulus funds, an amount covering needed investments in infrastructure, station stops, and equipment to meet ridership demand, maximize market response, and minimize initial operating costs. The plan also identified the minimum amount of construction needed along existing freight rail routes to maximize capacity for fluid freight and passenger operations, including the identification of segments requiring only one-time track upgrading.

 

“Quick Start” Action and Results: Capital improvements will result in immediate short-term construction jobs for up to 360 workers over a two year period. The 3C Corridor presents new service opportunities to eleven of Ohio's federally-designated economically distressed counties. The 3C “Quick Start” Service would also offer the most significant and visible change in transportation choice in the Midwest, with service running as early as 2011 or 2012, depending on how quickly the federal government makes its decision.

 

Ohio’s application also includes the results of an advanced Environmental Assessment and public outreach efforts, which included several public meetings, more than 100 official letters of support and resolutions, and more than 8,000 online surveys completed on 3CisMe.ohio.gov, the state’s online portal for passenger rail information.

 

“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,” wrote Phil Parker, President and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, in a letter of support sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

 

“We need the type of jobs in Ohio that this rail transformation project would create,” offered Joseph P. Rugola, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO. “Our skilled trades workforce is highly productive and works hand-in-hand with business and government. We are ready to get to work to enhance Ohio’s transportation options and build a quality, first class system that taxpayers and users will be proud of.”

 

“As the president of The Ohio State University, I am privileged to see first-hand the abilities and dedication of the next generation of college graduates. Ohio’s plan for passenger rail in the region will provide a critical physical link to enhance the development of the emerging knowledge economy,” endorsed Dr. E. Gordon Gee, President of The Ohio State University.

 

"Transportation investment in this region is critical for our progress in creating sustainable communities and improving our regional economy,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson.  “If the funding is secured for this important infrastructure project, it will help communities throughout the State of Ohio connect with Cleveland’s unique location providing a direct path to the global economy."

 

“Ohio’s plan would build a foundation for economic competitiveness in some of our state’s most economically-distressed cities. These urban cores represent Ohio’s centers of commerce, education and research, all of which can be better connected to a ready and mobile workforce with passenger rail,” wrote Joe Marinucci, President and CEO of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

 

Ohio’s application is also made strong by the landmark support from other Midwest states. As part of the Midwest Passenger Rail Steering Group, Ohio’s application comes with the endorsement of Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, and Indiana - as well as the City of Chicago. In return, Ohio is supporting the applications of those states and the region’s collective high-speed rail priorities.

Go through the list of Ohio's Members of Congress who didn't sign the letter and then ask them why they are so against Ohioan's having more transportation choices to the car. 

 

http://brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press_releases/release/?id=af99cb27-1e23-4f2e-9e41-d14ab5994231

 

Brown Leads Delegation Letter in Support of Ohio's High Speed Rail Application

Members of Ohio’s Congressional Delegation Write to DOT Urging Economic Recovery Funds for Ohio’s High Speed Rail Application

October 2, 2009

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) led a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of Ohio’s application for economic recovery funds for high speed rail. In addition to Brown, the letter urging support for passenger rail connecting Ohio’s largest cities was signed by U.S. Sen. George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and U.S. Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Steve LaTourette, Dennis Kucinich, Tim Ryan, Michael Turner, Zack Space, Betty Sutton, Charlie Wilson, Marcia Fudge, John Boccieri, Steve Driehaus, and Mary Jo Kilroy.

 

“Passenger rail in Ohio is an engine for economic growth,” Sen. Brown said. “By connecting Ohio’s largest cities with other major areas in the Midwest, we can create jobs and promote economic development. Economic recovery funds for rail should strengthen our nation’s rail system and create the biggest economic ‘bang for the buck.’ Passenger rail in Ohio will do both.”

 

“We write to offer our strong support for the State of Ohio’s application for high speed rail grant funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” the Members of Congress wrote in a letter sent today to DOT Secretary Ray LaHood. “We believe that this quick start project can play a critical role in the ongoing economic recovery in Ohio and is essential for the long-term viability of our nation’s rail system.”

 

Yesterday, the State of Ohio submitted an application for $564 million in economic recovery funds for passenger rail service linking the state’s four largest metropolitan areas—Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. The route would allow riders to access the Chicago Hub and the eastern seaboard. At least 6 million people live within 15 miles of the proposed 250 mile route, representing the densest corridor in the country without passenger rail service. A recent Amtrak study of the corridor projects ridership of nearly 500,000 within the first year with strong growth in the following years.

 

The letter argues that Ohio’s proximity to major cities, lack of functional passenger rail service, demand for service, and economic needs warrant the funds being awarded.  A full copy of the letter can be found below:

 

 

October 2, 2009

 

 

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary

United States Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20003

 

 

Dear Secretary LaHood:

 

We write to offer our strong support for the State of Ohio’s application for high speed rail grant funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  We believe that this quick start project can play a critical role in the ongoing economic recovery in Ohio and is essential for the long-term viability of our nation’s rail system.

 

Despite being one of the nation’s most populous states, Ohio currently lacks functional passenger rail service.  The state’s proposal would link our state’s four largest metropolitan areas—Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati—and allow riders to access the Chicago Hub and the eastern seaboard.  At least 6 million people live within 15 miles of the proposed 250 mile route—this is the densest corridor in the country without passenger rail service. There is clearly pent up demand for passenger rail in Ohio.  A recent Amtrak study of the corridor projects ridership of nearly 500,000 within the first year with strong growth in the following years. 

 

We have been heartened by the collaborative spirit and outreach efforts undertaken by the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Rail Development Commission.  By engaging major stakeholders, these agencies have garnered the support of the freight railroads, the congressional delegation, the public, the General Assembly, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, and communities along the route.  These partnerships are exactly why passenger rail will succeed in Ohio.

 

As one of the states hit hardest by the economic downturn, passenger rail represents a real opportunity to create jobs, spur economic growth, and provide a new transit choice for Ohioans.

With an unemployment rate of nearly 11%, this quick start project would put Ohioans back work sooner rather than later.  According to data from the Department of Commerce, it is anticipated that this project would create over 10,000 jobs.  Using history as a guide, it is also reasonable to expect considerable economic development around the rail stations and increased investment in the livability of these communities. 

 

Making an investment in Ohio passenger rail now will serve to increase the long-term success of our nation’s passenger rail network.  Our state is located within 600 miles of 60% of the U.S. population and is crucial to linking Chicago with New York City, Washington, DC and other eastern cities.  In fact our state is already pursuing the development of high speed rail with the Ohio Hub Plan and between Cleveland, Toledo, and Chicago. 

 

In the current economic climate we must focus our resources on projects that produce significant, concrete results.  Ohio’s quick start application meets the standards set by the Federal Railroad Administration and the likelihood that this service could start by 2011 would spur the very economic recovery our state so desperately needs.  Mr. Secretary, in a recent visit to Columbus you said, “Rail is coming to Ohio.  Get on the train.”  We couldn’t agree more with you and strongly encourage your selection of our state’s quick start passenger rail application. 

 

###

 

http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/28050/#

 

3C Application Riding Rails To D.C.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

 

 

With much ceremony and fanfare, Ohio filed its application today for a portion of eight billion dollars the Obama administration wants to spend improving American rail service. ideastream®'s Rick Jackson reports.

 

 

Nice quote from Chris Runyan. Gee, maybe because you've overbuilt an aging highway system with declining traffic and gas taxes?

 

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-67/125451055288600.xml&storylist=cleveland

 

Ohio makes its case for passenger rail

10/2/2009, 2:26 p.m. EDT

MATT LEINGANG

The Associated Press

 

(AP) COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio's bid for $564 million in federal stimulus money to launch passenger train service hinges on how much the Obama administration is willing to invest in a state with no track record of rail operations, experts said Friday.

 

States such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois are seeking millions to upgrade existing routes so trains could travel from 79 mph to 110 mph. California is hoping to build a system where trains could at least approach European-like speeds of 200 mph.

 

READ MORE AT THE ABOVE LINK

Here is an incomplete list of persons, mayors, city councils, companies, chambers of commerce and organizations supporting the development of 3C Corridor passenger rail service. Many of these come from...

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Rail/Programs/passenger/3CisME/Pages/LettersofSupport.aspx

 

AFL-CIO of Ohio

Air Force Museum Foundation

Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority

All Aboard Ohio

Barking Dog Books and Art, Marietta

Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem

Bettys Family of Restaurants, Columbus

Brook Park Mayor Mark Elliott

Butler County Commissioners

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati - Columbia Tusculum

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory

City of Cincinnati

City of Cleveland

City of Columbus

City of Dayton

City of Delaware

City of Galion

City of Grafton

City of Grove City

City of Hamilton

City of London

City of Mansfield

City of Marion

City of Middletown

City of Newark

City of Riverside

City of Sharonville

City of Shelby

City of Warren

City of Wellington

Clark County-Springfield Transportation Coordinating Committee

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Cleveland International Film Festival

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson

Cleveland State University

Columbia Gas

Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Columbus Clippers

Columbus Crew

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman

Columbus Region Logistics Council

Columbus Regional Airport

Columbus Region Logistics Council

Cuyahoga County Commissioners

Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin

Delaware Mayor Windell Wheeler

Downtown Cleveland Alliance

Elderly United of Springfield

Environment Ohio

Eastern Ohio Regional Transit Authority (EORTA)

Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Galion Chamber of Commerce

Greater Cleveland Partnership

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority

Greater Ohio

Grove City Mayor Richard "Ike" Stage

Hamilton County Commissioners

James O' Reilly of Wyoming, Ohio

Kamms Corners Development Corp., Cleveland

Karamu House, Cleveland

Laketran

Lima Mayor David Berger

Long Street Business Association, Columbus

Lorain County Commissioners

Malcom Pirnie Inc., Cleveland

Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver

Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer

Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)

Montgomery County Commissioners

Newark Mayor Bob Diebold

Ohio Association of Regional Councils

Ohio Environmental Council

Ohio Grocers Association

Ohio Health, Columbus

Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association

The Ohio State University

Ohio Public Transit Association

Owens Community College, Toledo/Findlay

Congressman Steve Driehaus, Cincinnati, D-1

Congressman Michael Turner, Dayton, R-3

Congressman Charles Wilson, Bridgeport, D-6

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Toledo, D-9

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Lakewood, D-10

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Shaker Heights, D-11

Congresswoman Betty Sutton, Lorain, D-13

Congressman Steve LaTourette, Painesville, R-14

Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy, Columbus, D-15

Congressman John Boccieri, Canton, D-16

Congressman Timothy Ryan, Warren, D-17

Congressman Zachary Space, Dover, D-18

Richland County Board of Commissioners

Senator Sherrod Brown

Senator George Voinovich

Sharonville Mayor Virgil Lovitt

Sierra Club

Springfield Center City Association

Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland

Stark Area Regional Transit Authority

SZD Whiteboard Inc., Columbus

Testa Companies, Chagrin Falls

Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG)

Toledo Molding and Die Inc.

Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce President Mark V’Soske

Towne Properties, Cincinnati

Transportation Matters

United Transportation Union-Ohio State Legislative Board

University of Cincinnati

Woolpert Inc., Dayton

 

I'm still compiling this list. If you see any omissions, please send me letters, resolutions etc. that verify their support.

The application documents have been posted the the 3CisMe website. 

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Rail/Programs/passenger/3CisME/Pages/3CDocs.aspx#app

Noticed that SORTA isn't on that list.

^kjp said the list is incomplete. 

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/national_world/stories/2009/10/04/copy/dctrain.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

 

Democrats say slow trains will lead to high-speed Ohio rail

Columbus Dispatch

Sunday,  October 4, 2009 6:33 AM

 

A group of Ohio members of Congress is urging the Obama administration to grant the Buckeye State a $564 million slice of the high-speed rail stimulus funding pie, but most GOP lawmakers declined to sign the letter sent to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

 

Full article atURL above:

I added more supporters to the list.

Breaking Free of the Population Density Myth

 

Today, the focus is on one lovely rhetorical ploy used by anti-rail advocates to try to put one over on people with limited experience with trains. This relies on the false framing that "trains is trains", and uses something that is true about a particular kind of local rail transport to mislead people about 110mph Emerging High Speed Rail in particular.

 

The author goes on to debunk Randall O'Toole's deceptive arguments and uses the Ohio Hub as an example of a viable high-speed rail system.

Thanks. I distributed that to many people.

KNOW THE FINAL SCORE OF 3C CORRIDOR

 

The final score of the federal and state investment in the 3C “Quick Start” plan for passenger rail linking Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati is the reason why this project should be embraced. It’s the same reason why the state’s massive promotion of other modes of transportation was undertaken—because of the payback to the state’s economy was projected to exceed the public investment. What is the 3C “Quick Start” passenger rail plan’s FINAL SCORE? .....

 

Annual state support for 3C: $17 million

Annual public benefit:   $111 million+

 

To learn more about the Final Score for 3C “Quick Start”, download All Aboard Ohio’s report:

 

DOWNLOAD ALL ABOARD OHIO REPORT HERE

http://members.cox.net/ohiohsr/Traveler-economic%20benefits%20from%203C.pdf

 

All Aboard Ohio encourages you to share the full report with others. Also, please see our press release on this important document at:

 

http://209.51.133.155/cms/index.php/news_releases/more/3c_train_benefits_could_be_2x_greater_than_ohios_cost/

 

With 3C “Quick Start” passenger trains slated to be the least expensive way of traveling in Ohio’s most populous travel market, Ohioans could end up saving more than $36 million per year, or more than double the state’s proposed contract with an operator to run the trains. That’s just part of the economic impact story according to the report released by All Aboard Ohio.

 

Ohioans will still be making trips in the Cleveland – Columbus – Cincinnati (3C) Corridor but for less money. Those savings, plus increased travel resulting from the 3C “Quick Start” trains, could stimulate additional consumer spending of $111 million per year. In other words, the annual economic benefit of 3C “Quick Start” would equal the estimated one-time start-up investment of up to $517 million in less than 5 years, and exceed the combined start-up investment and cumulative annual operating contract payments in just 5½ years.

 

The state needs to jump on board this economic engine before it leaves the station!

 

How can you help? Contact your state legislators (you have one state representative and one state senator) in Columbus today!

 

The Ohio House of Representatives

http://www.house.state.oh.us/

 

The Ohio Senate

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/

 

Thank you for your help in making this argument for improving your transportation freedom of choice in Ohio!

Rail Plan Rolls On, With Or Without Cincinnati

 

http://www.wlwt.com/video/21180315/

I wasn't expecting much from WLWT, but that was downright positive. 

 

 

It was an informative segment on the status of the state's financial request. It was one-sided, however, when it discussed Issue 9. As a rail advocate, I have no complaints; as a recovering news reporter, I do.

Being an IT guy means I'm unburdened with journalistic integrity. 

 

:) 

Got a new one.....

 

Got a new one.....

 

 

LMAO.  That's a pic I would post and something I would do to my brother!  LOL

http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/2301

 

STATEMENT FROM FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION (FRA)

ADMINISTRATOR JOSEPH C. SZABO

 

“We have received numerous applications from states and groups of states for the development of high-speed and intercity passenger rail programs for grant funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These include 45 applications from 24 states totaling approximately $50 billion to advance high-speed rail corridor programs. We also received 214 applications from 34 states totaling $7 billion for corridor planning and smaller projects.

 

Due to the overwhelming response and our desire to lay the groundwork for a truly national high-speed and intercity passenger rail program, we will be announcing all awards this winter. Our selections will be merit-based and will reflect President Obama’s vision to remake America’s transportation landscape. We look forward to further evaluating these proposals and spurring economic development while providing Americans with clean, energy-efficient transportation choices in the years and decades to come.”

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/10/passenger_rail_service_between.html

 

Passenger rail service between Cleveland and Cincinnati may not begin until 2012 if state receives $564 million in federal stimulus money

By Karen Farkas, The Plain Dealer

October 05, 2009, 4:27PM

 

Passenger train service between Cleveland and Cincinnati may not begin until the end of 2012, almost two years later than expected, if Ohio receives $564 million in federal stimulus funds.

Duplicate post was deleted. The FRA statement is on the previous page.

Realistically what would it take to get to the Acela for Ohio stage? IIRC the Acela runs on old rail lines along the NEC. We would need a dedicated passenger line, of course, but how much would that cost? I'm all for the Quick Start plan but I can dream about 150 mph between Cincy and Columbus.

Typical costs for building infrastructure for 150 mph trains is about $50 million per mile (and you can build 220-mph infrastructure for about the same cost). From Cleveland, it's about 130 miles direct to Columbus or 150 miles via Akron -- or $6.5 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively. Add another 125 miles to Cincinnati via Dayton. Bypassing Dayton saves only about 10 miles -- that's probably six minutes saved. So add another $6.25 billion to complete the route.

News Release

Midwestern states submit $11.6 billion in applications for ARRA passenger rail funding

October 7, 2009

Contact: Laura Kliewer, Director, Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission: (630)925-1922, [email protected]

 

LOMBARD, IL — According to information gathered by the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC), eight Midwestern states have submitted applications to receive federal funding for the development of passenger rail corridors. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin met the Oct. 2 deadline for submitting applications for multi-year passenger rail corridor program funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under its High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail program. Together, these states asked for almost $10 billion in “Track 2” funding to fully develop corridors and purchase train sets for new service.

 

This is in addition to the $1.6 billion in project and planning grant applications that Midwestern states submitted by August 24 (the deadline for Tracks 1, 3 & 4 applications as set by the FRA). Funding requests between Track 2 and the other application tracks are not necessarily mutually exclusive, though. Applications submitted earlier for specific projects may also be included in the Track 2 submissions.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama in February, provided $8 billion for state passenger rail capital investments. In June, the FRA issued interim application guidance for awarding the funding available for this first significant federal investment in state passenger rail development.

 

The guidance established four “tracks” under which states could submit applications. The “Track 2” applications had the latest deadline (October 2). These applications are typically multi-year plans for fully developing a specific corridor to enable new and/or high-speed passenger service.

 

Yesterday, FRA Joseph Szabo announced he was moving the deadline for announcing awards. “Due to the overwhelming response and our desire to lay the groundwork for a truly national high-speed and intercity passenger rail program, we will be announcing all awards this winter,” he said in a statement.

 

The FRA statement also indicated that 24 states submitted a total of 45 applications under the Track 2 corridor program category, for a total request of approximately $50 billion. Thirty-four states had applied under the August deadline (for Track 1, 3 & 4 applications), together submitting 214 applications totaling $7 billion for corridor planning and smaller projects.

 

On October 2, MIPRC submitted a letter to Administrator Szabo explaining the benefits of the Midwest’s two multi-state initiatives – the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI) and the Ohio Hub. The letter explained that that the two initiatives have been planned by Midwestern states for over a dozen years and that the build-out of the MWRRI and Ohio Hub will bring over $30 billion in economic benefit to the region, while creating an average of more than 20,000 jobs annually during construction and approximately 75,000 permanent new jobs.

 

The letter asked the FRA to consider the following when awarding the $8 billion in ARRA funding:

1. priority be given to state/regional passenger rail projects based on longevity of plan development;

2. the funding assist in developing corridors that have regional/multistate significance and benefits, as well as state and regional stakeholder support;

3. application awards be provided for corridor planning and development as well as for specific projects.

 

 

 

A brief explanation of Midwestern states “Track 2” project submissions follows:

Lead State

Project

Amount Requested

 

Illinois

Dwight to St. Louis – reconstruction allowing for 110 mph service (Chicago-St. Louis corridor)

$1,142,324,000

Illinois

Chicago-St. Louis corridor double track

$3,131,000,000

Illinois/ Iowa

Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque corridor engineering/ construction to implement new passenger rail service

$139,700,000

Indiana

Chicago-Cleveland Corridor engineering/ construction/ equipment procurement to implement high speed rail services

$2,816,658,000

Iowa/ Illinois

Chicago-Quad Cities-Iowa City corridor engineering/ construction/ equipment procurement to implement new passenger rail service

$256,695,000

Kansas

Signal and cross upgrades along proposed Heartland Flyer extension

$10,000,000

Michigan

Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac corridor improvements (Infrastructure improvements and acquisition, new equipment and maintenance facilities, station improvements)

$986,566,527

Missouri

Kansas City-St. Louis corridor new locomotive and passenger equipment

$50,000,000

Ohio

“3-C” (Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati) start-up service (capacity additions, track upgrades, grade crossing upgrades, stations, train maintenances & layover facilities, train sets)

$563,800,000Wisconsin

Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison corridor start-up

$817,600,000

Total

Track 2 (Midwestern States)

$9,914,343,527

Source: MIPRC compilation of information from state applications/conversations with state DOT officials

 

“We’ve been working together on a plan longer than anyone, as well as putting down infrastructure to relieve freight congestion. Many states in the Midwest have been subsidizing rail,” said Missouri state Rep. Charlie Schlottach, MIPRC’s chair. “We have a good working relationship with the federal government and Amtrak. We also have established good working relationships with the freights. We’ve tried to work through on-time performance and reliability issues. We’ve worked politically, at the local, regional, state and federal level in order to foster relationships that will enable us to strategically move forward on rail issues, and I think we’re just light years ahead of anybody on those elements.”

 

More information will be available in the coming days on the MIPRC website: www.miprc.org.

#

Since 2000, the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission has worked on behalf of its member states to promote, coordinate and support improvements to passenger rail service. A primary objective of the commission is to help build the strong federal-state partnership necessary to advance passenger rail improvements in our region and nation. The MIPRC is a 10-state compact of Midwestern states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

FYI... Obama has included an additional $5 billion in his Fiscal Year 2010 budget request. 

 

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/fra-fast-tracking-hsr-grant-program-2.html

 

FRA fast-tracking HSR grant program 

Oct. 8, 2009

 

Citing a overwhelming number of applications, the Federal Railroad Administration has made a change to the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) high speed rail grant program, announcing that it expects to award grants this winter, rather than in several rounds.

 

 

News Release

Midwestern states submit $11.6 billion in applications for ARRA passenger rail funding

October 7, 2009

Contact: Laura Kliewer, Director, Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission: (630)925-1922, [email protected]

 

LOMBARD, IL — According to information gathered by the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC), eight Midwestern states have submitted applications to receive federal funding for the development of passenger rail corridors. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin met the Oct. 2 deadline for submitting applications for multi-year passenger rail corridor program funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under its High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail program. Together, these states asked for almost $10 billion in “Track 2” funding to fully develop corridors and purchase train sets for new service.

 

This is in addition to the $1.6 billion in project and planning grant applications that Midwestern states submitted by August 24 (the deadline for Tracks 1, 3 & 4 applications as set by the FRA). Funding requests between Track 2 and the other application tracks are not necessarily mutually exclusive, though. Applications submitted earlier for specific projects may also be included in the Track 2 submissions.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama in February, provided $8 billion for state passenger rail capital investments. In June, the FRA issued interim application guidance for awarding the funding available for this first significant federal investment in state passenger rail development.

 

The guidance established four “tracks” under which states could submit applications. The “Track 2” applications had the latest deadline (October 2). These applications are typically multi-year plans for fully developing a specific corridor to enable new and/or high-speed passenger service.

 

Yesterday, FRA Joseph Szabo announced he was moving the deadline for announcing awards. “Due to the overwhelming response and our desire to lay the groundwork for a truly national high-speed and intercity passenger rail program, we will be announcing all awards this winter,” he said in a statement.

 

The FRA statement also indicated that 24 states submitted a total of 45 applications under the Track 2 corridor program category, for a total request of approximately $50 billion. Thirty-four states had applied under the August deadline (for Track 1, 3 & 4 applications), together submitting 214 applications totaling $7 billion for corridor planning and smaller projects.

 

On October 2, MIPRC submitted a letter to Administrator Szabo explaining the benefits of the Midwest’s two multi-state initiatives – the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI) and the Ohio Hub. The letter explained that that the two initiatives have been planned by Midwestern states for over a dozen years and that the build-out of the MWRRI and Ohio Hub will bring over $30 billion in economic benefit to the region, while creating an average of more than 20,000 jobs annually during construction and approximately 75,000 permanent new jobs.

 

The letter asked the FRA to consider the following when awarding the $8 billion in ARRA funding:

1. priority be given to state/regional passenger rail projects based on longevity of plan development;

2. the funding assist in developing corridors that have regional/multistate significance and benefits, as well as state and regional stakeholder support;

3. application awards be provided for corridor planning and development as well as for specific projects.

 

 

 

A brief explanation of Midwestern states “Track 2” project submissions follows:

Lead State

Project

Amount Requested

 

 

Illinois

Dwight to St. Louis – reconstruction allowing for 110 mph service (Chicago-St. Louis corridor)

$1,142,324,000

 

Illinois

Chicago-St. Louis corridor double track

$3,131,000,000

 

Illinois/ Iowa

Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque corridor engineering/ construction to implement new passenger rail service

$139,700,000

 

Indiana

Chicago-Cleveland Corridor engineering/ construction/ equipment procurement to implement high speed rail services

$2,816,658,000

 

[KJP note: this doesn't include another $71.4 million in ARRA funding INDOT is seeking in Track 1 for the portion of costs in their state for the Porter, IN-Chicago Indiana Gateway project (adding tracks and capacity to the congestion NS mainline from Toledo). NS is contributing $4.1 million to this project. INDOT is also seeking money for environmental impact analyses and preliminary engineering for 110 mph trains on the Chicago-Toledo-Cleveland ($49 million) and Chicago-Indianapolis-Cincinnati ($22 million).

 

Iowa/ Illinois

Chicago-Quad Cities-Iowa City corridor engineering/ construction/ equipment procurement to implement new passenger rail service

$256,695,000

 

Kansas

Signal and cross upgrades along proposed Heartland Flyer extension

$10,000,000

 

Michigan

Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac corridor improvements (Infrastructure improvements and acquisition, new equipment and maintenance facilities, station improvements)

$986,566,527

 

Missouri

Kansas City-St. Louis corridor new locomotive and passenger equipment

$50,000,000

 

Ohio

“3-C” (Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati) start-up service (capacity additions, track upgrades, grade crossing upgrades, stations, train maintenances & layover facilities, train sets)

$563,800,000

 

Wisconsin

Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison corridor start-up

$817,600,000

Total

Track 2 (Midwestern States)

$9,914,343,527

Source: MIPRC compilation of information from state applications/conversations with state DOT officials

 

“We’ve been working together on a plan longer than anyone, as well as putting down infrastructure to relieve freight congestion. Many states in the Midwest have been subsidizing rail,” said Missouri state Rep. Charlie Schlottach, MIPRC’s chair. “We have a good working relationship with the federal government and Amtrak. We also have established good working relationships with the freights. We’ve tried to work through on-time performance and reliability issues. We’ve worked politically, at the local, regional, state and federal level in order to foster relationships that will enable us to strategically move forward on rail issues, and I think we’re just light years ahead of anybody on those elements.”

 

More information will be available in the coming days on the MIPRC website: www.miprc.org.

#

Since 2000, the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission has worked on behalf of its member states to promote, coordinate and support improvements to passenger rail service. A primary objective of the commission is to help build the strong federal-state partnership necessary to advance passenger rail improvements in our region and nation. The MIPRC is a 10-state compact of Midwestern states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Brookings: More airline delays coming, so think hard about how high speed rail can help

 

http://blogs.tampabay.com/venture/2009/10/wake-up-and-good-morning-this-may-come-as-no-great-surprise-for-those-who-travel-by-air-regularly-but-lengthy-airline-delay.html

 

 

Here's a link to the Brookings report: Expect Delays: An Analysis of Air Travel Trends in the United States.

http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/reports/2009/1008_air_travel_tomer_puentes/1008_air_travel_report.pdf

 

And here are some key findings based on an analysis at the national and metropolitan levels of commercial air travel patterns between 1990 and 2009:

 

* Air passenger travel in the United States experienced its first annualized drop in

September 2008 since the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, and the decline has continued

through (at least) March 2009. Strong economic growth helped American airports increase their

passenger and flight levels by over 60 percent from 1990 to 2008, tripling population growth. Residents are traveling less since the current economic downturn, producing sustained reductions in passengers and flights since September 2008 and June 2008, respectively.

 

* Nearly 99 percent of all U.S. air passengers arrive or depart from one of the 100 largest

metropolitan areas, with the vast majority of travel concentrated in 26 metropolitan-wide

hubs. Between April 2008 and March 2009, 26 metropolitan areas captured nearly three quarters of all domestic travelers, while 20 of these metros landed 94 percent of all international passengers. These extreme shares make these metropolitan hubs the critical links in the nation’s aviation system and reinforce their role as major centers of tourism and commerce.

 

* Half of the country’s flights are routes of less than 500 miles, and the busiest corridors

are between the metropolitan air travel centers. Corridors of no more than 500 miles

constituted half of all flights and carried 30 percent of all passengers in the most recent 12-month period starting April 2008.

 

* The 26 metropolitan centers of air travel and other large metropolitan areas host a

concentration of national delays -- and the situation is worsening over time. The concentration within the 100 largest metropolitan areas was especially troubling with congestion-related delays as well as those lasting over two hours. Within the 26 domestic hubs, six experienced worse-than-average delays for both arrivals and departures: New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, and San Francisco. (No, Tampa is not among the worst.)

 

The current economic recession led carriers to reduce flights, which improved on-time performance. But travelers will increase with the return of economic growth, and that will reduce on-time performance and continue the hyper-concentration of U.S. air travel within major metropolitan areas and on short-haul flights. To ensure that the commercial aviation system runs efficiently while simultaneously improving its environmental record, policymakers must focus aviation and other transportation investments on the metropolitan centers and the heavily trafficked short corridors, thus strengthening the performance of the our nation’s major economic engines, recommends the Brookings report.

 

Bottom line? The future clogging of air travel is another argument for selective use of high-speed rail. We've heard the "lessen the traffic jams on the roads" arguments plenty. Aiding air travel is a newer angle.

All, please see the following rail, transit and intermodal transportation projects that are seeking funding through ODOT's Transportation Review Advisory Council. Projects relating to 3C Corridor are in BOLD...

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/news/Pages/StatereceivesApplicationsforFutureTransportationProjects.aspx

 

 

ODOT TRAC 2009 rail/transit/intermodal applications

 

DISTRICT 1

 

VLRR–Village Leipsic Railroad

Project Sponsor: Village of Leipsic

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D01-02.pdf

 

 

DISTRICT 2

 

Jones Road (CR 592) CSX grade crossing separation

Project Sponsor: City of Fostoria

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D02-10.pdf

 

Hallett Avenue (CR 1) NS grade crossing separation

Project Sponsor: Village of Swanton

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D02-11.pdf

 

 

DISTRICT 3

 

SR 58 CSX grade crossing separation (Wellington)

Project Sponsor: ODOT District 3

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D03-04.pdf

 

 

DISTRICT 6

 

Central Ohio Logistics Center

Project Sponsor: Fayette County Commissioners Office

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D06-14.pdf

 

 

DISTRICT 8

 

Cincinnati Streetcar – Phase 1

Project Sponsor: City of Cincinnati

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D08-01.pdf

 

Cincinnati Fourth Main Rail and Cincinnati Union Terminal

Project Sponsor: Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D08-02.pdf

 

Oasis Rail Corridor  Part2 Eastern Corridor

Project Sponsor:  ODOT District 8

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D08-04.pdf

 

 

DISTRICT 12

 

Opportunity Corridor

Project Sponsor: ODOT District 12/City of Cleveland

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D12-14.pdf

 

 

STATEWIDE

 

3C Start Up Service

Project Sponsor: Ohio Rail Development Commission

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D13-01.pdf

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/downtown-passenger-train-station-could-be-operational-by-2011-342802.html

 

http://www.ohio-share.coxnewsweb.com/multimedia/dynamic/00577/ddn101109trainstop_577355g.jpg

 

Downtown passenger train station could be operational by 2011

 

By Jim DeBrosse, Staff Writer

Updated 4:20 PM Sunday, October 11, 2009

DAYTON — A new downtown station at Sixth and Ludlow streets will feature daily passenger train trips to and from Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland as early as 2011 — if Ohio gets the $564 million it requested from the pot of $8 billion in federal rail funds available.

 

I like the location for this. I hope the station they build fits the area. Should spur some development downtown as well. This is one block from The Arcade.

 

Edit: It's two blocks from the Arcade block.

A cosmetic piece that seems like the editors hacked up, unfortunately...

 

 

Competition is tough for rail money

Population and need might help Ohio's bid for piece of $8 billion

Sunday,  October 11, 2009 10:10 PM

By James Nash and and Jonathan Riskind

 

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio officials think they have a good chance of getting more than $500 million from Washington to restart passenger rail service connecting the state's largest cities for the first time in nearly 40 years.

 

After all, the I-71 corridor is one of the most populous in the country without passenger trains. It includes economically struggling areas, another of the criteria for receiving federal help. And the Ohio cities are located at key points along national transportation routes.

 

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/10/11/traincompete.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101

jp340803, thanks for posting the article. However please refrain from posting copyrighted photographs. Links are fine.

jp340803, thanks for posting the article. However please refrain from posting copyrighted photographs. Links are fine.

Ah sorry about that. Wasn't sure if that was ok or not. Thanks to whomever pulled that out of my post.

Decent stories (above) by both the Dayton Daily News and Columbus Dispatch.