Do you agree with Gov.-elect Kasich's decision to kill the rail project?
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Ohio’s proposed “3C” passenger rail system, which included stops in Dayton and Riverside, effectively died Thursday as the Obama administration announced it is taking away nearly $400 million in funding for a system that Gov.-elect John Kasich opposed.
It’s part of $1.2 billion that was to go to Ohio and Wisconsin, both of which elected Republican governors who oppose the rail projects.
“I can’t understand the logic of giving up these vital, job-creating resources to California and Florida at a time when so many Ohioans need jobs,” said Gov. Ted Strickland, who was defeated by Kasich on Nov. 2. Nine other states will get parts of the $1.2 billion. Ohio received the money to develop passenger rail service from Cincinnati to Cleveland via Columbus and Dayton. A station was planned for Riverside, and US Railcar planned to establish a plant in Ohio to build diesel rail cars.
“It’s a great day for New Yorkers and Californians, but a truly disappointing one for Ohioans waiting for jobs and ... passenger rail,” said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.
Kasich, who made killing the project a campaign promise, requested that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood allow him to use the $400 million on road construction and freight lines. But the law authorizing passenger rail funding stipulated it can’t be used for other purposes.
“Gov.-elect Kasich is disappointed that the White House is not giving Ohio the flexibility he has asked for to use the money for infrastructure needs like freight rail that can spur commerce and economic growth,” said Kasich press secretary Rob Nichols.
Ken Prendergast of All Aboard Ohio said rail supporters will continue to explore creating a “joint powers authority” of municipalities and regional transit agencies to secure federal passenger rail money without the need for state approval or subsidies. He said until the feds award grants to other states, “that money is still floating in space. It’s up to Ohio to grab that money back.”
The AP contributed to this report.
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