Kaptur Statement on State of Ohio Decision to Seek Federal Funds to Improve Passenger, Commercial Rail Infrastructure
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, released a statement on funding applications through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for improvements in the Chicago —Toledo — Pittsburgh rail corridor:
Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law brought $66 million in new funding for Amtrak. Kaptur led bipartisan efforts to bring together elected leaders from across the Great Lakes region to advocate for better commercial and passenger rail service between Cleveland and Chicago. In Ohio, the line includes service in Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, and Cleveland. With passage of the infrastructure law, the region is now eligible for funds sought by regional partners Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG), and support from the State of Ohio under Governor DeWine’s leadership as a partner in efforts to significantly expand and upgrade one of the busiest rail corridors in the nation is to be celebrated.
“I applaud efforts to enhance and boost the safety of both commercial and passenger rail, and appreciate leaders moving past partisanship for the strength of Ohio,” said Rep. Kaptur. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize our dilapidated infrastructure – and rebuilding our nation’s rail corridors remains a top priority. Through the visionary leadership of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, we hope to follow through on the next step that will empower us to better connect our ports and manufacturers to markets, link the Midwest’s economic hubs, and drive new investments and job growth throughout the region.”
Congresswoman Kaptur previously led a bipartisan letter calling for a NOACA study to identify investments that would be needed to improve passenger and freight rail travel, and reduce congestion along one of the nation’s busiest corridors. A full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here.
# # #