BURLINGTON, Iowa — Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack called on President Bush to continue federal support for Amtrak service across southern Iowa, the Burlington Hawk Eye reports.
“I urge your support for additional funding that will ensure continuation of long–distance passenger rail service in our state,” Vilsack wrote.
Amtrak has threatened to cut 18 money–losing long–distance routes unless Congress comes up with a $1.5 billion subsidy package. Amtrak serves Iowa with two long–distance trains — the California Zephyr, from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Southwest Chief, from Chicago to Los Angeles via Fort Madison. The Zephyr passes through Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Ottumwa, Osceola and Creston.
Amtrak spokesman Howard Riefs said that in fiscal 2001, 6,856 people boarded or got off the train in Burlington, 3,402 in Creston, 7,758 in Fort Madison, 12,962 in Mount Pleasant, 13,090 in Osceola, and 11,334 in Ottumwa, for a total Iowa ridership of 55,403 people.
“To stop the funding of long–distance service to southern Iowa would effectively eliminate a lifeline critical to the economy and growth of that area,” Vilsack said.