Not dead yet
Backers of 3C rail insist the project is only sleeping
BY LYNDSEY TETER
Published: Thursday, December 16, 2010 9:13 AM EST
When Gov.-elect John Kasich referred to high-speed rail advocates as a "train cult," we can only assume he was complimenting them on their passion and fervor—characteristics they continue to uphold today.
Plans for Ohio's 3C Corridor high-speed passenger rail service suffered what looked like a very public execution last week when U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that most of the $400 million in rail development funds secured by Gov. Ted Strickland's administration would be yanked and redirected to states whose governors actually plan to use the money.
Kasich, who has an affinity for making Biblical references, might be impressed with the resurrection powers of passenger rail advocates, who, it turns out, have a long history of telling folks that what is perceived as dead is really just sleeping.
"I've watched this project die seven times in 26 years," said Ken Prendergast, executive director of All Aboard Ohio—a rail advocacy group. "This is the closest we've gotten, and we get a little closer each time."
Backers of 3C rail insist the project is only sleeping
BY LYNDSEY TETER
Published: Thursday, December 16, 2010 9:13 AM EST
When Gov.-elect John Kasich referred to high-speed rail advocates as a "train cult," we can only assume he was complimenting them on their passion and fervor—characteristics they continue to uphold today.
Plans for Ohio's 3C Corridor high-speed passenger rail service suffered what looked like a very public execution last week when U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that most of the $400 million in rail development funds secured by Gov. Ted Strickland's administration would be yanked and redirected to states whose governors actually plan to use the money.
Kasich, who has an affinity for making Biblical references, might be impressed with the resurrection powers of passenger rail advocates, who, it turns out, have a long history of telling folks that what is perceived as dead is really just sleeping.
"I've watched this project die seven times in 26 years," said Ken Prendergast, executive director of All Aboard Ohio—a rail advocacy group. "This is the closest we've gotten, and we get a little closer each time."
....Advocates are trying to form something called a "Joint Powers Authority," which they say could legally take over the 3C project with the fed's blessing.
READ MORE AT:
http://www.theotherpaper.com/articles/2010/12/16/front/doc4d0a1e1c0037e733495997.txt
READ MORE AT:
http://www.theotherpaper.com/articles/2010/12/16/front/doc4d0a1e1c0037e733495997.txt
Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org
