In an exciting development, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration has chosen four key routes in Ohio as priorities for Amtrak expansion. This announcement comes as a result of Brown's persistent efforts to expand Amtrak service in Ohio and his work in including provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make this expansion possible.

Under the selected routes, the State of Ohio, Amtrak, and metropolitan planning organizations will commence corridor development efforts, including the preparation of a service development plan. To aid in the planning process, the Federal Railroad Administration will provide $500,000 for each corridor under the Corridor Identification program.

The investment for planning has been made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a legislation that Brown had a hand in writing and passing. Brown believes that the expansion efforts will not only increase accessibility but also unlock new opportunities, bolster businesses, create jobs, and strengthen community connections throughout Ohio and the wider Midwest region.

The four priority corridors that will receive funding for planning are as follows:

1. Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati, a route commonly referred to as the 3C+D corridor.
2. Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus-Pittsburgh, also known as the Midwest Connect corridor, spanning several cities in Ohio such as Lima, Kenton, Marysville, Columbus, Newark, Coshocton, Newcomerstown, Uhrichsville, and Steubenville.
3. The Daily Cardinal Service, which will see increased service frequency, transitioning from three days per week to daily operations. This service operates between New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Cincinnati, passing through Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.

In addition to the funding for planning, the Ohio corridors have been given priority for future funding competitions. As part of the service development plan, the selected corridors will identify necessary capital construction projects to initiate or expand passenger rail service. These projects will receive priority funding under the Federal Railroad Administration's Fed-State Partnership - National (FSP-N) Program. Notably, the FSP-N Program has a yearly allocation of $2.4 billion from fiscal years 2022 through 2026, as provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Ohio corridors will also have the opportunity to apply for additional federal assistance through various programs.

Governor DeWine's endorsement accompanied the sponsorship of two of the selected corridors, namely the 3C+D and Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit, by the Ohio Rail Development Commission. The Midwest Connect corridor's sponsorship was led by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), while Amtrak sponsored the application for the Daily Cardinal Service.

Senator Brown's dedication to expanding transportation options in Ohio has been steadfast. His active involvement in drafting and securing the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has ensured significant investments for Ohio's transit, with tens of billions allocated for this purpose. Brown's Bridge Investment Act, a crucial component of the law, has also secured $1.385 billion for the construction of a companion bridge to the Brent Spence Bridge in Cincinnati.

With this first step towards expanding Amtrak in Ohio, Senator Brown's efforts have brought the dream of improved transportation infrastructure closer to reality. As Ohioans eagerly await the outcomes of the planning and funding processes, the future looks brighter for enhanced connectivity and economic growth in the state.