Iowa City mayor writes Branstad on behalf of Amtrak service

Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek is trying to make the case for passenger rail service in Eastern Iowa.

On Dec. 30, Hayek sent a letter to governor-elect Terry Branstad stating why he believes the Chicago-to-Iowa City Amtrak route that received federal funding last fall is a worthy project. The letter was released Thursday.

Branstad, a Republican who takes office next week, has expressed concern about the state's financial stake in the project, estimated at $3 million each year for operating costs. Republicans in the Iowa House of Representatives have proposed a bill that would halt funding for the project.

Hayek argued that the rail service would provide “invaluable” economic development opportunities for Iowa City and Eastern Iowa, and would be a benefit to the entire state.