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While high-ranking officials talked about making Ohio the kind of state in which all residents were within commuting distance of a major employer, most Buckeye State residents understood that commute involves getting into a personal vehicle. But perhaps there is finally progress being made on adding another option for some, as some of the billions of federal dollars allocated to expanding rail service in the U.S. may make their way to proposed Ohio projects.
According to Axios, two proposed rail corridors would involve central Ohio: First, a "3C&D" line that would connect Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton. That application was made by the state. And second, a "Midwest Connect" line to link Columbus to Fort Wayne and Chicago to the west and Pittsburgh to the east. That application was made by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.
MORPC executive director William Murdock told Axios a Midwest Connect line might someday include stops at John Glenn International Airport and smaller cities like Dublin, Hilliard and Newark.
Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson William Wong told Axios corridor selections should be made in November and December. Surely Ohio's representatives in Washington, D.C., are hard at work reminding the FAA how important such additions would be to our state.
Meanwhile, advocates such as Stu Nicholson, executive director of All Aboard Ohio, are chomping at the bit.
"We've got a half a dozen irons in the fire for passenger rail in Ohio," Nicholson told Axios. "Let's stop talking about stuff and get stuff built."
Wouldn't that be nice? But we all know the federal government keeps its own pace. We can only hope the FAA and other stakeholders recognize improving Ohioans ability to travel and get to work will be a boost not just for us, but for a significant part of the country.