Hagan, midwest reps ask Congress to fund rail projects

YOUNGSTOWN — State Rep. Robert Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, joined with state representatives from around the Midwest to call on Congress to invest more of the federal stimulus money into rail projects.

“Passenger rail service is an environmentally friendly transportation option and a permanent source of economic development that ties together cities and regions,” said Hagan, who works as a locomotive engineer. “I believe the expansion of this service will create permanent jobs in Ohio and will boost our struggling economy.”

Hagan serves as Gov. Ted Strickland’s appointment to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission. The Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission is a 10-state interstate compact commission that promotes, coordinates and supports regional improvements to passenger rail service. Member states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

“Gov. Strickland showed his commitment to improving rail in Ohio during his State of the State speech,” Hagan said. “With help from President Obama’s economic stimulus package, we can see the complete restoration of a rail corridor between Cleveland and Cincinnati.”