The new governors of Wisconsin and Ohio have both stopped improved passenger rail service in their states. The Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, has rescinded $1.2 billion in funds that would have gone to those states. The Wisconsin project would have brought passenger service from Madison to Milwaukee. The Ohio project would have connected Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.
Why would you not want projects that create jobs, provide a service, and stimulate economic development, and, oh by the way, improves the environmental impact of the state's transportation network?
Back in the 1950's, the Eisenhower administration decided to favor car traffic over rail traffic, and so, built the nation's interstate highway system. The reason was partly national security. The administration believed that urban rail stations would easily be compromised by a nuclear attack.
The United States is way behind in terms of transportation infrastructure, and especially in regard to rail. This affects the nation's prosperity. If we can't deliver goods and services as efficiently as China or Europe, that is to our disadvantage.
The administration says that the money will be distributed to other states.
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