Midwest rail plan would boost economy

The Midwest Regional Rail System could bring user benefits to the Midwest, spurring new jobs and economic development, easing congestion and reducing dependence on oil, according to an economic impact analysis released last week by nine states participating in a plan to improve passenger rail in the region. The plan envisions a 3,000-mile rail system that would connect more than 100 communities in the Midwest, and would be accessible to 80% of the region’s population. Along with new trainsets and more frequent service, track improvements would increase speeds up to 110 mph. The new analysis projects user benefits such as time savings, congestion relief and emissions reductions to total $23.1 billion in the first 40 years of the project, as well as generating 57,450 permanent new jobs, which would provide more than $1 billion in additional income for workers across the region. For more information, visit http://www.miprc.org/advocacy.asp.