Proposed Budget Bill Could Derail Iowa City Passenger Train

By Mark Carlson, Reporter

A train pulling executive coaches from the Iowa Interstate Railroad pulls up to the old Rock Island line train depot Tuesday, May 5, 2009 in Iowa City. (Brian Ray/The Gazette)

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By Kelli Sutterman

Story Created: Jan 4, 2011 at 7:01 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 4, 2011 at 7:43 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - An Iowa City to Chicago passenger rail system has been a hot topic in Iowa City. But a GOP proposed bill to cut spending calls for a halt in funding for the recently proposed project.

"It's innovative, it's going to take a little bit of courage, but it's an opportunity we shouldn't miss," said Nancy Quellhorst, president of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Quellhorst said she's optimistic that the proposed bill will not affect plans to move forward with the multi-million dollar project.

"This takes an extraordinary amount of vision to do," she said.
Quellhorst believes state Republicans and Democrats will be able to strike a compromise on the issue. But not everyone in Iowa City is that hopeful.

"There are three independent bus companies," said Eugene Hibbs, owner of the Iowa City Bus Depot. Hibbs said he strongly opposes the idea to construct the railroad, which he said doesn’t offer a needed service.

"(We) offer eight buses a day already to Chicago," he said "I'm in favor of not spending that money."

The first legislative session of 2011 begins on Monday.

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