(The following story by Brian Morelli appeared on the Iowa City Press-Citizen website on March 13, 2009.)
IOWA CITY, Iowa — More than 75 people overflowed an informational meeting Thursday about a proposed passenger rail service from Iowa City to Chicago at the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce offices.
The local support for the “Chicago Flyer,” operated by Amtrak, was strong at the meeting, but practical hurdles remain. Proponents must convince state and federal legislators to fund much of the $32.5 million for the Iowa City to Moline, Ill., stretch and $22.7 million to continue to Chicago.
“Right now, I am still more in the hope than the expect stage,” said Robert Kelley, 71, of Iowa City, one of the many in attendance who was rallying behind the project.
The meeting served as an opportunity to build a grassroots network. Those in attendance were encouraged to “go out and tell 10 friends” about the idea and participate in a letter-writing campaign to legislators.
Proponents of the plan say it is the “perfect time to do it.” Several top federal leaders are from Chicago, including President Obama, Chicago is competing for the 2016 Olympic Games, and $9.3 billion from Obama’s stimulus package has been earmarked for passenger rails.
“It’s now or never. The stars are lined up to get passenger rail service to Iowa City,” said Stan Peterson of the Iowa Department of Transportation. “This is not going to be easy, which is why we need this groundswell of support.”
In addition to federal support, proponents say Iowa needs to kick in about $2 million for operational costs. The transportation department has created room in its budget for this, but Gov. Chet Culver did not fund the route in his current budget proposal. However, these dollars would be eligible for money from Culver’s $750 million economic stimulus plan, Peterson said.
The Chicago Flyer would take five hours to get from Iowa City to Chicago with a one-way rate of about $45. Eventually, it could extend west to Des Moines and then link with more routes in Omaha, Neb., said Rebecca Neades, chamber vice president and director of public policy.
Amtrak and chamber officials estimate annual ridership at 120,000 to 187,000 people and say it could create 1,000 jobs in Iowa.
In response to questions about parking concerns in Iowa City, Neades said the city is considering building a new multi-use parking structure with spots for 600 cars. Neades said Iowa City also is in negotiations for a property that could serve as a depot and train turnaround.
If the project were funded now, it would take two to three years to complete, Neades said.
The project will require support from Illinois to help make the Moline, Ill., to Chicago stretch happen.
Illinois recently secured a $475,000 “down payment” federal earmark for the Illinois portion, said Paul Rumler, vice president of Illinois-Quad City Chamber of Commerce.