Iowa Legislators to consider joining Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact

UPDATE -- this bill is inactive for 2023.  It failed to pass through the funnel, where bills are winnowed if they have not moved through several steps of the legislative process.

A bill has been introduced that would allow Iowa to join the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact.   The compact's purpose is:

• To promote development and implementation of improvements to intercity passenger rail service in the midwest.
• To coordinate interaction among midwestern state elected officials and their designees on passenger rail issues.
• To promote development and implementation of long-range plans for high-speed rail passenger service in the midwest and among other regions of the United States.
• To work with the public and private sectors at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure coordination among the various entities having an interest in passenger rail service and to promote midwestern interests regarding passenger rail.
• To support efforts of transportation agencies involved in developing and implementing passenger rail service in the midwest.

Midwest states that can be included in the compact are Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota, and Iowa.  Midwestern states are already planning for more passenger rail.  It makes sense for Iowa to have a seat at the table, in planning for future rail.  Rail provides a great alternative to cars and planes for travel in the midwest and beyond.

What you can do:

This has already passed the House Transportation Committee and will be coming before the House of Representatives. 

Ask your state representative to support HF591, allowing Iowa to join the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact.