Students from states such as Connecticut, Illinois or New York often hop on the train to go shopping in the city for the day. Those who have traveled abroad in Europe know the ease of getting on the train in Florence and being in Rome in a few hours. This method of transportation could become a reality in Ohio by 2010.
Gov. Ted Strickland's plan to develop a passenger rail service connecting Cleveland to Cincinnati, with stops in Columbus and Dayton, would create an eco-friendly way of travel and improve the connection between the three biggest cities in Ohio. To pay for the plan, Strickland hopes funding for the "3-C corridor" will be provided by a $100 million grant from the federal government.
Constructing a passenger rail service would provide Ohioans with an even more alternative form of transportation and provide the initial step for even more passenger rail lines throughout the state. Currently, Ohioans'0 only option of getting between the big three cities is bus services. A rail service would provide a great alternative.
A rail system could also decrease car travel, lowering air pollution and creating a more energy efficient way of travel.
The project could also create immediate jobs in the state. The plans are ready for action, and all the government needs is the funding to get the project underway. While the state waits for the federal stimulus bill to take effect, this project can provide jobs to many unemployed Ohioans; jobs could be created in the manufacturing, service and construction sectors. Even if the jobs will be temporary they can provide employment opportunities while the state waits for the federal stimulus plan to take effect and Ohio's economy to grow more stable.
The project will also take advantage of existing resources in Ohio. Building additional train tracks to those currently in existence will utilize the tracks to their maximum potential. By converting old auto factories into plants to build train cars, Ohio can take advantage of existing plants and decrease the cost of producing new cars. It is a responsible way to use facilities that are currently just empty space.
A railroad system connecting Northeast Ohio to Southwest Ohio provides environmental and economic benefits and The Miami Student editorial board encourages the governor to continue to push for the federal funding needed for the project.
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