The document summarizes the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, which proposes investing $9.6 billion over 10 years to improve passenger rail service in the Midwest. This initiative would create 15,000 jobs and increase property values by $4.9 billion. It proposes upgrading infrastructure to allow for average speeds comparable to the Northeast Corridor and purchasing 64 new train sets. The initiative has support from Midwest states and would help address rail congestion issues through projects like CREATE in Chicago.

1. Federal Railroad Administration
High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Workshop
Regional presentation
Frank Busalacchi
Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
June 1, 2009

2. HSR guidance announced
April 2009

3. Midwest Regional Rail Initiative

4. Midwest Regional Rail Initiative

5. Midwest Regional Rail Initiative
• Cost: $9.6 billion over 10 years
• $8.2 billion for infrastructure
• $1.4 billion for 64 new train sets
• Need freight rail as partners
• Average speeds comparable to NEC
• MWRRI: a very cost effective HSR solution

6. Midwest Regional Rail Initiative
Creates 15,000 jobs
$4.9 billion in increased property values
$23 billion in user benefits
Build ‘em here!

7. Midwest Regional Rail Initiative
Midwest states committed to initiative
Letter to DOT Sec. LaHood supporting
three “Phase I” corridor projects:

8. Midwest Regional Rail Initiative

9. CREATE
Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation
Efficiency project needs to be part of the solution.
Need to clear up rail congestion that slows freight
and passenger rail.
Goals of reducing rail and highway congestion,
promote economic development, improve air quality,
and reduce noise match those of HSR

10. National Surface Transportation Policy &
Revenue Study Commission
ARRA funding huge step forward
Still need a long-term funding
mechanism
NSTPRSC Passenger Rail Work Group
established blueprint through 2050

11. National Surface Transportation Policy &
Revenue Study Commission
$8 billion a needed jump-start
States already gearing up to make high-
speed passenger rail a reality
Ready to be a resource and partner with
U.S. DOT

12. High Speed Passenger Rail
A solution for the 21st Century