Kasich Give-Away Sends Ohio Rail Money Elsewhere
Ohio’s loss will be California’s, Florida’s and New York’s gain as federal officials announced Thursday that most of the $400 million Ohio was to receive to develop a passenger rail line will go elsewhere because of Gov.-elect John Kasich’s adamant opposition to the plan.
Although Thursday’s news was not a surprise, given that Kasich had vowed during the campaign and since his victory to scrap the so-called 3C line linking Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland, its finality nevertheless bitterly disappointed rail supporters and produced some quick political finger-pointing.
“Today is one of my saddest days during my four years as governor,” said outgoing Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.
“I see other states being enriched by resources that would otherwise have created thousands of new jobs, revitalized our cities and help keep our young people in Ohio… I fear that history will show that this one uninformed decision will be looked upon with regret by future generations of Ohioans.”