Chamber to discuss second round of federal passenger rail funding

Updated: May 04, 2010

The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce will host a community information meeting at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 27 at the Chamber office to discuss updates regarding funding for the Chicago Flyer passenger rail route between Iowa City and Chicago.

Last month, Iowa lawmakers approved $6.5 million in the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) bill, the amount needed to be eligible for federal funding. Governor Chet Culver signed Senate file 2389 into law today in Cedar Rapids.

“The Chamber is appreciative for the diligence Governor Culver and Johnson County legislators have demonstrated for funding the Chicago Flyer route,” said Nancy Quellhorst, Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce president & CEO. “This 20% state match allows us to compete for a portion the federal funding available for intercity passenger rail.”

In December, President Obama allocated an additional $2.5 billion for passenger rail projects, with another commitment of $1 billion per year over the next four years. The Chamber will outline both state and federal funding options for the Chicago Flyer route.

“Business development, increased property values, permanent job creation, improved quality of life and increased tourism are among the benefits Iowa will experience as a result of the addition of passenger rail to our state and local community,” Quellhorst said.

Funding criteria can be found at www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/2243. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) applications are due at the beginning of July, with selection announcements anticipated by the end of October.

The 79 mph high-speed passenger rail service from Chicago to Iowa City will make two trips daily. A one-way trip between Iowa City and Chicago would take about five hours and cost roughly $42. Amtrak expects 120,000 people to take the route annually. The estimated cost of the project $102 million.

The Chamber launched its Chicago Flyer initiative in March 2009 to actively lobby for the 79 mph Amtrak passenger train service connecting Iowa City to Chicago through the Quad Cities. Since its debut, more than 2,000 individuals, businesses and government agencies have joined the Chicago Flyer coalition. The initiative also boasts more than 5,700 Facebook friends. To become an official supporter or to learn more about the campaign, visit www.ICRailNow.com.