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Yesterday, Iowa Gov. Chet Culver announced the Iowa Transportation Commission had approved programming up to $1 million to support the Chicago-to-Omaha, Neb., passenger-rail planning study.

The funds will provide the required state match for the $1 million High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program grant Iowa received from the Federal Railroad Administration.

The planning study will be used to evaluate and further develop proposed passenger-rail service from Chicago to Omaha. Work includes identifying a preferred route, completing environmental studies, evaluating ridership potential, preparing preliminary engineering plans, and estimating capital and operating costs.

Once the planning study is complete, Iowa will be positioned to apply for future federal funding opportunities for passenger-rail service expansion, according to a press release issued by the governor’s office.