by Senator Matt McCoy of Des Moines

Governor Branstad, it is time to tell us where you stand on passenger rail and Iowa’s transportation future. Iowans are calling on you to recognize this opportunity and step forward to make it happen.

In October, Iowa was awarded $230 million in federal funds to establish passenger rail service between Chicago and Iowa City via the Quad Cities. The route is part of a long-term effort to connect Iowa City to Des Moines, and then connect to the national passenger rail system at Omaha.

Unfortunately, House Republicans want to reject this federal investment of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in Iowa railroads, Iowa jobs and the Iowa economy.

If we’re serious about reducing our dependence on foreign oil, the choice is obvious. The Iowa City-Des Moines passenger rail route is projected to result in 900,000,000 fewer vehicle miles traveled and about 11 million fewer gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel consumed.  Those are long-term benefits to the Iowa economy and Iowa travelers.

If we’re serious about job creation, the choice is still obvious. According to the DOT, Iowa will receive $2.77 in economic benefits for every federal dollar. Passenger rail increases tourism and business opportunities.  That’s why chambers of commerce across the state enthusiastically support this plan.

This is a one-time offer. Federal funds would cover about 80% of the start-up costs, and if we turn them down they are gone forever.

House Republicans claim that the estimated $3 million in annual operating costs is an expensive “subsidy,” while what they fail to acknowledge is that we “subsidize” all forms of transportation.

We spend hundreds of millions each year to build and repair roads, bridges, airports and bus stations.  When you get serious about the dollars-and-cents, passenger rail is actually a more cost-efficient investment for the state.

Governor Branstad, you have yet to speak up on this issue and time is running out.  Why not listen to your own transportation experts?  Your choice to lead the Iowa Department of Transportation, Paul Trombino, believes that passenger rail is “a robust, diverse transportation system that meets the public need.” Former DOT Director Nancy Richardson also supports passenger rail.
 
Governor Branstad, this massive federal investment in Iowa’s passenger rail system means jobs and future economic growth for our state.

The author serves as chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations Subcommittee.

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