Ohio commission to consider state rail plan, rail project funding

On Thursday, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) will hold a meeting to address several issues, including the development of a state rail plan and funding for rail infrastructure projects.

The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 requires states seeking federal funding for either passenger- or freight-rail improvements to develop or update a rail plan. Ohio’s plan describes and evaluates rail improvement needs identified through various analyses.

Developed in conjunction with input from the public, railroads and shippers, the plan will formulate a state vision for rail now and in the future, according to ORDC.

During the meeting, the commission also will decide whether to:
• provide $187,910 in matching funds for the rehabilitation of R.J. Corman Railroad Group’s Cleveland Line to raise track speeds between Warwick, Dover and Uhrichsville;
• administer a $2.6 million grant from the OKI Council of Governments for the Central Railroad of Indiana to purchase two GenSet locomotives; and
• grant $350,000 to the Ohio Central Railroad to replace a deteriorated bridge.