Branstad, Paulsen want to study Iowa City rail plan

Governor-elect Terry Branstad has his doubts, but he's apparently not as ready as some other newly elected Republicans to cancel plans for new Amtrak service to the state.

“We want to carefully look at it and make a thoughtful decision,” Branstad said today. “I'm not going to make any quick decision on that. We will do a very thorough review and analysis of that.”

On Oct. 25, the federal government announced a $230 million award to Iowa and Illinois to help re-establish passenger rail service between Chicago and Iowa City.

Republican governors-elect in Wisconsin and Ohio have declared they'll reject recently announced federal aid for similar projects in their states. Branstad isn't quite ready to go that far – yet.

“We're going to do a full analysis and review of this whole situation,” Brandstad said. “What are the benefits, what are the costs, what are the obligations? It's my understanding there are state obligations and subsidies required down the road and we need to review that.”

The total cost of new Iowa City-Chicago route is expected to be $310 million, with Iowa and Illinois splitting the $80 million balance after the federal assistance. Illinois has committed $45 million toward the route's Chicago-Moline leg. The Iowa Legislature has appropriated $11.5 million for planning and early work through 2012, with another $20 million pending.

The two states would split an estimated $7 million a year operating subsidy.

Branstad said he hasn't made a decision yet, “but I am expressing some concern about the impact that it has and whether it's cost effective. I want to look at the whole situation. I don't want to rush to judgment on that issue.”

State Rep. Kraig Paulsen of Hiawatha, who becomes the speaker of the state House when the Legislature convenes in January, said he needs to study the situation, too.

“At this point, I have a very superficial understanding of what transpired on that in the last two weeks,” said Paulsen. “We'll take a look at it. I'm sure not in a position to commit to supporting it today.”