Architect of Ohio rail plan dismayed at stalemate

COLUMBUS (AP) — The man who put together a master plan for high-speed rail in Ohio says Republican critics threatening to kill a new train service are squandering a chance to position the state for the 21st century.

James Seney was a Republican appointee who led the Ohio Rail Development Commission until 2006. In an interview with The Associated Press, Seney said he’s stunned the project is now running into problems, since the GOP endorsed federal funding for his plan when he was in office.

But Seney also says the administration of Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland has done a poor job of addressing critics.

President Barack Obama gave Ohio $400 million in January to pay for a startup rail service connecting major Ohio cities with trains that reach 79 mph.