High-speed rail plan introduced

 

 

 

 

By BRANDON GLENN

 

2:01 pm, September 1, 2005

 

 

 

Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell and U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette unveiled rough plans for a high-speed passenger rail system that would connect Cleveland to Cincinnati, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Toronto.

 

But the discussion was long on hope and short on details.

 

Rep. LaTourette said the line would cost about $1million per mile of high-speed rail track.

 

He said the federal government would cover 80% of the costs, while state and local governments and other sources would have to come up with the other 20%.

 

When asked why this rail proposal, unlike previous ones, could happen, Mayor Campbell responded, “For the first time we see real leadership from the federal government. There’s a groundswell of support to get this done.”

 

“Absolutely, this is doable,” she said later. “I think this is exciting. It’s more than doable.”

 

Rep. LaTourette said a bill, called Ride 21, was making its way through the U.S. Congress. The bill would support $60 billion of rail construction over 10 years that would be a “beginning price tag.”

 

“It would be a good first step,” he said.

 

When asked when the plan might come to fruition, Rep. LaTourette said, “The trains’ll roll as soon as we get the money to pay for them.”

 

Rep. LaTourette drew the loudest reaction during the City Hall press conference when he said, “Can you imagine anything better than taking the train to Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, watching the Browns beat the Steelers and coming back to Cleveland?”

 

Considering the Steelers posted a 15-1 record last year while the Browns were 4-12, Rep. LaTourette’s response may have given the greatest indication of how far away the plan is from becoming reality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Links: 
AllAboradOhio.org
City of Cleveland