Cities Willing to Put ‘Skin in The Game’ For Amtrak

The mayor of West Lafayette says his city, along with Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, are ready to make a financial commitment to help keep Amtrak's Hoosier State Line service operating. Federal funding for the line is drying up and the state has until October 1 to fill a $3 million funding gap. During an appearance on the weekend's Inside INdiana Business Television, John Dennis says he believes if the Hoosier State Line goes away, it will never return. He says several open and closed-door meetings have taken place and more discussion and testimony before a legislative committee are expected next week.

Dennis says he understands saving money is key for government entities, but believes sometimes spending money for a viable product like passenger rail can be just as important.

The line stretches between Indianapolis and Chicago and makes stops in Lafayette, as well as Crawfordsville, Dyer and Rensselaer.

Source: Inside INdiana Business