All Aboard Ohio highlights potential economic impact of expanded rail service

All Aboard Ohio highlighted the potential economic impact of expanded passenger rail in Ohio during a brief Zoom call Thursday morning. Rob Moore, principal for Scioto Analysis, gave an overview of the potential economic impact of the 3C+D corridor project, which would link the state's four largest cities. His report estimated the Cleveland-Elyria region could see a one-time economic boost of $14.24 million, with between $3.9 to $6.9 million coming in annually. The report estimated a $100,000 to $170,000 annual tax revenue. The Cleveland-Elyria section has two proposed new stations: a terminal station in Cleveland and a new station at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Both would serve existing Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, as well as the proposed Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit line. It is unclear what impact the additions may have specifically on Lorain County. The lone Amtrak station in the county is in Elyria, with trains coming through during the middle of the night. Statewide, Scioto Analysis' report for All Aboard Ohio estimated an up to $107 million economic impact from the expansion, and $64 million to $66 million in wages from more than 1,000 jobs created. Scioto Analysis' report did not include any potential economic development to spin off from the new corridors and stations, Rosiello said. Thursday's call came after an announcement of federal funds allocated to planning four Amtrak route expansions in Ohio on Tuesday: The Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati corridor; the Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit corridor; the Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus-Pittsburgh corridor; and the Daily Cardinal Service between Chicago and New York City. Those four corridors will receive $500,000 each for service development planning. Erin Rosiello, chair of All Aboard Ohio, said the announcement was great for Ohio, applauding those who pushed for better rail service in the state. All Aboard Ohio is a group of citizens, businesses and organizations that advocate for additional transportation choices in the state, including expanded passenger rail and public transit. John Esterly, an All Aboard Ohio board member, said the Daily Cardinal Service will stop in Cincinnati, and the Midwest Connect — running from Pittsburgh to Chicago — will stop in Columbus and Lima. The projects are still in their infancy, with funding allocated for planning and budgeting to determine what infrastructure expansions may need to be done, including any investments in new or existing Amtrak stations. Esterly said of the 92 applicants vying for federal rail funding, only 40 were chosen — making Ohio a disproportionate winner in the amount of attention it received. All Aboard Ohio will be in Cleveland at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency to discuss further the expansion's impact. NOACA is at 1299 Superior Ave., Cleveland. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.