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Hilliard commits $50,000 to Midwest Connect passenger-rail planning step
Summary
Council approved a $50,000 city contribution to the Midwest Connect step-2 corridor identification process for a proposed Pittsburgh–Columbus–Fort Wayne–Chicago passenger rail line; staff said the FRA typically funds about 90% of these studies and that station-location details and speed/frequency will be addressed in step 2.
HILLIARD, Ohio — The Hilliard City Council on Sept. 8 approved a $50,000 contribution to the Midwest Connect passenger-rail corridor step 2 process, which will refine station locations, speeds and frequencies for a proposed Pittsburgh–Columbus–Fort Wayne–Chicago route. City staff said the Federal Railroad Administration pays roughly 90% of the corridor-study cost, with local jurisdictions providing the remaining 10%; the step-1 work concluded under Fort Wayne-led funding and coordinated partners. The step-2 analysis will evaluate operational details and station candidates and is a necessary prerequisite before detailed station planning and capital obligations occur. Council members asked staff about total city spending to date and future capital obligations if Hilliard is chosen as a station location; staff said they would compile acquisition and previous expenditures and explained that local capital participation for station construction would depend on FRA and final station plans. Staff also said FRA funding for the program continues under current federal budgets. The resolution passed by roll call 6-0.
