Local governments in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania have committed $650,000 to advance the Midwest Connect passenger rail corridor linking Pittsburgh, Columbus, Fort Wayne and Chicago.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission said the funding package, which includes $400,000 from Ohio communities, was submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration and clears the way to enter Step Two of the Corridor ID program. Partners include MORPC, the City of Fort Wayne and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.
Officials said they will refine routes, identify station locations and define service details, positioning the corridor for larger federal investments as part of the second step. Officials said that the commitment signals unified regional backing after years of discussion about restoring modern intercity rail through Central Ohio.
Advocates note Central Ohio is the Midwest’s fastest-growing region and is projected to top 3 million residents by 2050, yet Columbus remains among the largest U.S. metros without passenger rail. Project sponsors framed the local match as a milestone showing tangible momentum toward construction.
