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Last week, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved a state rail plan, which will be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration to meet a new federal funding requirement.
 
The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 requires any state seeking federal dollars for either passenger- or freight-rail improvements to develop an updated state rail plan. The plan should broaden the understanding of rail issues for all stakeholders; define rail’s role in a multi-modal environment; identify infrastructure and other improvements needed to improve rail service; provide a framework to implement rail improvements; develop methodologies to measure the public and private benefits of rail improvements; and provide support and justification for federal funding.

ORDC’s plans will provide a vision of how people and freight can move safely and efficiently via rail in the state, according to the agency.
 
Meanwhile, the commission also approved:
• the rehabilitation of R.J. Corman Railroad Group’s Cleveland Line to increase track speeds between Warwick, Dover & Uhrichsville, and up to $187,910 in matching funds for the project;
• a $2.6 million CMAQ grant from the OKI Council of Governments to enable the Central Railroad of Indiana to purchase two Tier 3, re-powered GenSet locomotives, for which the railroad will contribute $656,132; and
• a $350,000 grant to Licking County to replace a deteriorated bridge over the state-owned Panhandle Line. The Ohio Central Railroad and county will provide in-kind services for the project.