Another good story.
So it costs $7 billion to provide 3,000 miles of improved passenger rail capacity throughout the Midwest. That provides service at probably 110 mph. Not bad. California is looking at $20 billion for a single true HSR line. This Midwest proposal is really good. We ought to start working on the already existing rail lines tomorrow.
Here is what Channel 5 in Des Moines reports.
The surge in gas prices may spark more interest in expanding passenger rail service across the Midwest, including service here in Iowa.
The topic came to light at Thursday’s meeting of the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission here in Des Moines. Officials there said the federal government has been slow in providing financial help to the proposed Midwest rail network, which covers 3,000 miles and costs 7.7 billion dollars.
Some states, however,are forging ahead with smaller passenger lines and proposals. One study of passenger rail service has been completed to upgrade a 182-mile link from Chicago to Dubuque, which would provide Amtrak service into Chicago’s Union Station.
Another study on possible service from Chicago to the Quad Cities is expected before the end of this year. Additional studies are also being done, looking at the feasibility of expanding that line into Iowa City and then into Des Moines.
Iowa currently has Amtrak service across the southern half of the state. The stop closest to Des Moines is about a half hour south in Osceola.
And there is more from the Globe-Gazette in Mason City
Filed under: Amtrak, Regional USA Passenger Rail
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