Politicians discuss high-speed rail proposal

YOUNGSTOWN — The potential of high speed passenger trains becoming a reality in the Valley was discussed by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, Mayor Jay Williams, Mayor Michael O’Brien of Warren and members of the Ohio Rail Commission during a press conference at 11 a.m. today.

The project is part of the Ohio Hub which has been in motion since 2000, said Matthew Dietrich, executive director of ORDC.

Five or six stops would be included in the rail service from Cleveland to Pittsburgh, including Youngstown and Warren. The high speed trains would travel at approximately 110 mph and could accommodate about 300 passengers, said Don Damron, ORDC passenger rail planning manager.

“We are moving forward and pursuing this,” said Ryan of Niles, D-17th, even though Ohio will have to compete with other states for federal funding for the $650 million project.

Trains hustling through Youngstown is an exciting idea, said Williams, who thinks this project would introduce more people to the life style of Youngstown. For more on this story, see Thursday’s Vindicator or vindy.com