George Davison Iowa Law

Des Moines Register Supports Return of Passenger Train Service to Des Moines

On Wednesday, May 13, 2009, the editorial page of the Des Moines Register had both an editorial and a commentary supporting a return of passenger train service to Des Moines. 

The editorial notes that talk about passenger train service is shifting to action.  The Register encourages political and business leaders in the state to encourage the revived interest in passenger train service.

Des Moines Register editorial writer Rox Laird was on board the National Train Day special that operated between West Des Moines and Des Moines on Saturday, May 9.  Laird's commentary focuses on the idea that things which worked in the past, such as passenger train service, could well serve the public in the future.

The comments to the editorial and the commentary are worth reading and considering.  They show the differences of opinion regarding transportation issues in Iowa and the nation.

National Train Day in Des Moines, Iowa

Saturday, May 9, 2009, was National Train Day.  Des Moines, Iowa, was the only city in the United States without regular passenger train service to celebrate National Train Day. 

With the assistance of Iowa Interstate Railroad, Governor Chet Culver's office organized a two car passenger special that operated between Valley Junction in West Des Moines to downtown Des Moines.  Joining the Governor and his son, John, were various elected officials or their representatives, family members, passenger train advocates, and members of the news media.

While on board the Governor signed a National Train Day proclamation.  After the train stopped at the former Rock Island Depot in downtown Des Moines (Arrival was delayed by a motorist who decided to park his car too close to the tracks.  The vehicle had to be towed out of the way.), the Governor remarked that progress is being made to return more passenger train service to Des Moines, especially between Chicago, the Quad Cities, Iowa City, and Des Moines.  He conclude his remarks to the audience by promising to be present to cut the ribbon when the first passenger train returns to Des Moines.  Also addressing the audience were West Des Moines City Council member Ted Ohmart, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, Des Moines Attorney Mike Kulik who is involved with the Greater Des Moines Partnership effort to restore passenger train service, and Iowa DOT Director, Nancy Richardson.

Here are photographs taken of the National Train Day special in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 9, 2009.
Download National Train Day in Des Moines, Iowa, May 9, 2009

Here is one of the comments that Governor Chet Culver made.
Download CULVER RR A

Saturday is National Train Day

Saturday, May 9. 2009, is National Train Day.  Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad has special events planned to mark the occasion.

Iowa Courts Will Be Open for Business on Friday, May 8, 2009

This coming Friday, May 8, 2009, Iowa courts were to be closed and non-judicial employees were to have an unpaid day off work.  This has changed as a result of action taken by Governor Chet Culver.  On Monday, May 4, 2009, Governor Culver signed legislation that authorizes the Supreme Court to order judges and non-judicial employees to take unpaid days off to help meet budget issues.  In the wake of the Governor's action, Chief Justice Marsha Ternus issues an Order rescinding the directive that ordered the courts closed this coming Friday.  Justice Ternus also indicates that the Order directing courts be closed on two other days during fiscal year 2009 may be rescinded.  This depends upon whether Governor Culver approves a supplemental appropriation for the judicial branch of three quarters of a million dollars.

Download May 5, 2009 Order on court closings

Governor Approves Legislation for Passenger Train Initiative in Iowa

On Monday, May 4, 2009, Governor Chet Culver was in Davenport and signed into law, legislation that will allow development of passenger trains in the state of Iowa.  Three million dollars is earmarked for passenger train efforts.  While three million dollars is not a lot of money, it is a good start, and this marks the first time that Iowa has made a significant financial commitment to bring additional passenger train service to the state.

Here is the news release from the Governor's office.

DAVENPORT – Governor Chet Culver traveled to Davenport to talk with residents about the benefits of the recently created I-JOBS program and to sign into law Senate File 151, which makes it easier for Iowa to enter into agreements that would foster the growth of passenger rail service in Iowa. The Governor signed the legislation at a former railroad station in Davenport, a community seeking to attract passenger rail service that would connect with Chicago.

“Passenger rail service is a key component to our state’s economic development efforts,” said Governor Culver. “By making it easier to connect between our state and key cities throughout the Midwest and the nation, we can attract new companies and bring new jobs to Iowa. This legislation, along with our other efforts this legislative session, puts us in the position to bring new lines to Iowa, and I look forward to continuing our work to bring passenger rail to Iowa.”

Senate File 151 includes several provisions related to freight and passenger rail service. The bill eliminates the Iowa Railway Finance Authority and transfers the responsibilities for the administration of the Rail Revolving Loan and Grant Fund and Passenger Rail Service Revolving Fund to the Department of Transportation. In addition, the bill removes the maximum threshold that applies to grants in the Rail Revolving Loan and Grant Program, and expands the Director of Transportation’s authorization to enter into agreements related to passenger rail service.

During the event, the Governor also highlighted his signature jobs and economic program – I-JOBS – which will invest $830 million in Iowa’s aging infrastructure, including $115 million for roads, bridges and transportation projects around the state. The initiative is expected to create and retain thousands of jobs while revitalizing Iowa’s communities and rebuilding our state after last year’s natural disasters. I-JOBS includes $10 million for multi-modal transportation projects in Iowa, including rail.

In addition to I-JOBS and Senate File 151, the state of Iowa took steps in recent months to help bring new passenger rail service to the state, including budgeting $3 million for passenger rail efforts. The state will also be competing for federal passenger rail funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These steps position Iowa to work with Illinois and AMTRAK to bring new passenger rail lines to the state that connect more Iowa communities with Chicago.