WASHINGTON, D.C – February 8, 2023 – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the following statement after Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio would request that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) select Ohio routes for entry into the FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development program to fund route planning:
“I applaud Governor DeWine and our regional leaders for starting the process to pursue Amtrak expansion. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made billions of dollars available so states like Ohio can expand passenger rail service. I’m working with Secretary Buttigieg to make sure Ohio gets its fair share, or more – and I hope that the entire delegation will join me in supporting this effort,” said Brown. “Expanding Amtrak in Ohio, whether along current routes or by connecting Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati, would transform our state’s economy and improve mobility for all Ohioans. I will continue to fight to make Ohio’s transit more reliable and efficient so more Ohioans can access employment and education opportunities across the state.”
Brown has long fought to expand transit in Ohio. Brown helped write and pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” which secured tens of billions in investments for Ohio’s transit. Brown also fought to include his Bridge Investment Act in the IIJA, which secured $1.385 billion to construct a companion bridge to the Brent Spence Bridge in Cincinnati.