Ohio transportation chief: Trains will create jobs

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s top transportation official says a plan to restore passenger train service in the state is a historic opportunity to create jobs.

Transportation Director Jolene Molitoris says rail projects in other states have spurred construction and sparked the development of condominiums, restaurants and other businesses around train stations.

Ohio is planning to use $400 million in federal stimulus money for a startup service connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati with trains reaching a top speed of 79 mph.

The plan has faced skepticism from some state Republican leaders who want to make sure Ohio can pay the estimated $17 million annual operating subsidy.

In a speech today to the Columbus Metropolitan Club, Molitoris said she’s confident in the project’s viability.