HILLIARD, OH – In a forward-thinking move that underscores a growing local commitment to regional connectivity, the City of Hilliard has officially invested $50,000 in the next planning phase for the Midwest Connect passenger rail corridor. This commitment positions the Columbus suburb as a serious contender for a future station stop on the transformative line proposed to link Chicago and Pittsburgh.

The investment is a key piece of a regional effort to secure the required 10% local match for the project's next critical step: a comprehensive Service Development Plan (SDP) under the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Corridor ID program. This local funding is essential to unlock a 90% federal match, moving the project from a concept to a concrete, implementable plan.

"This investment ensures Hilliard is at the table as regional partners plan one of the most transformative transportation projects in decades," said Interim City Manager Dan Ralley. He emphasized that the funding "strengthens our case to be considered for a future passenger rail station," so Hilliard "won’t be left behind" as regional transportation evolves.

A 'Turn-Key' Proposal Decades in the Making

While the financial contribution is significant, it represents the culmination of more than a decade of deliberate preparation by Hilliard's city leaders. This long-game strategy has made the city a uniquely prepared and attractive candidate for a station location.

Key milestones in Hilliard's proactive planning include:

• 2012: As part of a major commercial redevelopment, the city dedicated land along the existing CSX rail line specifically for a future transit hub.

• 2022: The city acquired an additional 2.8 acres for $750,000, securing property on both sides of the tracks to provide maximum flexibility for station design.

• 2024: An AECOM feasibility study confirmed that city-controlled sites are viable for a station, estimating a relatively modest construction cost of $15 million to $16 million.

This combination of financial commitment secured land assets, and a detailed feasibility study presents project organizers with a compelling, "turn-key" proposal that significantly de-risks the selection process.

Connecting the Heartland

The Midwest Connect project aims to restore a vital economic artery through the nation's industrial heartland, re-establishing passenger service that has been absent for decades. Columbus currently holds the distinction of being the second-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. without intercity rail. The proposed 545-mile corridor would not only connect the major hubs of Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Pittsburgh but also serve communities like Lima, Kenton, and Marysville.

Hilliard's investment joins a growing coalition of Ohio communities, including Columbus, Dublin, Marysville, and Lima, that have pledged ~$350,000 in funds towards the targeted $650,000-$700,000 local match. Coordinated by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), this combined financial support demonstrates a powerful and unified vision for a more connected, accessible, and economically competitive future for Ohio and the entire Midwest.