3/13/2009
from the Office of Governor Ted Strickland

Mayors, Other Local Officials Voice Support
for Passenger Rail Service in Ohio

Columbus, Ohio- Several Ohio mayors and local officials today announced their support for restoring passenger rail service in Ohio.

Governor Ted Strickland announced in his 2009 State of the State address that he would work to restore passenger rail service in Ohio through the 3-C Corridor (Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland) for the first time since 1971.

The officials, listed below, represent major metropolitan areas as well as smaller communities that would be affected by 3-C Corridor start-up service or future high-speed rail expansion in Ohio.

The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) is seeking the General Assembly's support in order to send a strong signal to the federal government that Ohio is serious about competing for $9 billion in federal stimulus resources specifically targeted toward rail investments.

A list of endorsements from officials across the state, as well as additional information on passenger rail in Ohio, is included below:

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman
Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin
Lima Mayor David Berger
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

Additional Information on Ohio Passenger Rail Service

  • Trains running along the 3-C Corridor will use existing rail lines. It will cost an estimated $250 million in federal stimulus resources to begin operation.
  • ODOT and ORDC estimate a cost of $10 million a year to operate the 3-C Corridor. $10 million a year represents just a fraction (0.13%) of the state's $7.6 billion biennial transportation budget.
  • An estimated 4,000-6,000 jobs will be created for the construction of the 3-C Corridor. Another 10,000 positions will be generated in and around the stations, through office, retail and other service-related positions.
    • The 3-C Corridor will reach 5.9 million Ohioans, nearly 60 percent of our population, who live within 15 miles of the rail line.

According to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 8.6 percent of Ohioans do not drive, due to physical limitations or financial reasons.

 For more informaiton, contact: Amanda Wurst