Iowa City mayor argues for rail service

IOWA CITY - 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 explaining 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 this 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.