As Congress debates the next long-term transportation bill, passenger rail advocates are warning that changes to federal funding structure could impact the future of rail development nationwide. Here’s what the newly approved BUILD America 250 Act could mean for passenger rail projects in Ohio and across the country.

The Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC) has secured a $1.84 million federal CRISI grant to launch Invest Midwest, a comprehensive passenger rail planning initiative. However, Ohio remains excluded from this regional network development after state legislators removed a $25,000 membership appropriation from the 2026-2027 budget, leaving the state without a seat at the table as neighboring states map out the future of Midwest transit.

Dive into the taxes and funds that make up the Buckeye State’s transportation budget. Plus, see side-by-side comparisons of where the money is (and isn’t) dedicated to passenger rail.

The funding that kickstarted Ohio’s passenger rail renaissance has an expiration date. A new analysis from the Eno Center reveals why returning to the budget models of the past could derail the 3C&D corridor just as it gains momentum—and that we must demand multi-year appropriations to keep the project on track.

Learn about advance appropriations established for 2026 and the important funding dates for the future. To support the future of passenger rail efforts across Ohio and the nation, understanding the How, What and Why of passenger rail financing is crucial.