Errington Joins Indiana Lawmakers’ Coalition for Passenger Rail Service

Indiana Rail Caucus wants to see state move forward as part of Midwest rail initiative

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - State Senator Sue Errington (D-Muncie) has joined a new coalition of state lawmakers established to coordinate legislative efforts to improve and expand passenger rail service in the state of Indiana.

The Indiana General Assembly’s Rail Caucus wants to see Indiana improve existing Amtrak service and begin taking action as part of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative. The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is a cooperative, multi-agency effort that began in 1996 and involves Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin, as well as the Federal Railroad Administration.

The initiative is working to use 3,000 miles of existing rail to connect rural and urban areas with modern, high-speed trains. Indiana is uniquely positioned within this regional effort as the state with more federally designated high speed rail corridor miles than any other in the Midwest.

“The federal stimulus package provides $8 billion in competitive grants to states for passenger rail improvements, and I’d like to see some of that money come to Indiana to improve our rail travel options,” Errington said. “Investing in passenger rail service increases the state’s competitive edge in attracting new businesses and residents, and it can be a critical in alleviating some of our traffic congestion and air quality concerns.”

Errington has also joined the Indiana General Assembly’s Rural Caucus, a coalition of state lawmakers working to identify and promote rural issues and serve as a voice for rural communities. Rural Indiana comprises a significant percentage of the state’s geography, but a decreasing percentage of the overall population and political representation. The most dramatic differences between rural and urban Indiana lay within the areas of basic infrastructure, broadband access, and community services.

“Our state has a wonderful heritage of Hoosiers living close to the land and in agricultural communities,” Errington said. “The Indiana Rural Caucus will strengthen the voice of those communities in addressing their unique needs and concerns.”

For more information on Senator Errington, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.in.gov.

Source: Sue Errington Press Release