The Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC) has officially been assigned up to $1.84 million in federal funding to advance regional passenger rail planning. However, Ohio will sit out of this collaborative effort following a legislative decision during the recent state budget cycle.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the regional planning grant through the 23-24 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. The newly obligated funds will launch Invest Midwest: The Future of Midwest Passenger Rail – Phase 1, an initiative aimed at expanding the regional network outlined in the Midwest Regional Rail Plan (MWRRP).

Working alongside a committee of member state departments of transportation, MIPRC’s Invest Midwest project will focus on:

• Ridership and revenue forecasting to assess the demand and financial viability of new and expanded routes.

• Economic impact analyses to gauge the financial benefits of regional rail for local communities.

• The development of a phased corridor strategy to create an actionable, step-by-step roadmap across the Midwest.

Ohio’s Exclusion from the Compact

Despite the broader region's progress, Ohio remains excluded from the MIPRC and its coordinated planning efforts.

During the 2026-2027 state budget cycle, a $25,000 annual appropriation was proposed that would have allowed Ohio to rejoin the bipartisan compact. While the measure saw support and inclusion in the Ohio House, state legislators in the Senate ultimately stripped the $25,000 provision from the final budget.

Because of this funding removal, Ohio does not have a seat at the table as neighboring member states utilize the $1.84 million grant to map out the region's interconnected rail future. A future bill could re-affiliate Ohio with MIPRC.

Where to Find More Information

Updates regarding the Invest Midwest project will be published continually by the commission. To track the project's progress or reach out with questions, visit the MIPRC website.

Cover photo by Dan Gaken (flickr)