Seeking public input on rail

By Dave Jacoby

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In a state legislative year of considerable achievement - education, health care expansion and commercial property tax reform - there was one visionary project left on the table without resolution: multimodal transportation including passenger rail.

Whether one agrees or disagrees on the future of high-speed rail as a major mode of transportation in Iowa, it would be irresponsible for the Legislature and the governor not to complete the feasibility study. What was not passed in the 2013 session was the line item including $5.5 million for the match with federal transportation funds if - and this is an important “if” - Iowa decides to move forward with rail and multimodal centers. These centers also would include public transportation hubs, private providers, small businesses and recreation facilities.

The focus on the future of rail was intense throughout the session. Near the closing moments, in the spirit of compromise, Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, and I began a push to reconsider the concept of passenger rail along with our co-sponsored bill on eminent domain. The eminent domain bill would protect both individual property rights and local governments' use of land for public utilities.

Through our collective effort (and those of our Johnson County state legislators, local government and Chamber of Commerce) both legislative chambers' leaders met to evaluate the possibility of this discussion reaching both the Senate and House floors. We were unable to convince them to bring up the compromise bill even though it was readily apparent the votes were there to pass both eminent domain and rail.

Despite the setback, it is by far the furthest the proposal has proceeded in years.

It is important to remember that the 85th General Assembly is a two-year proposition (includes both the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions) and that this discussion will continue during the interim. Multimodal centers will be a point of discussion the moment we gavel in on Jan. 9. Voting for this line item is a vote to complete the comprehensive study.

Pending considerable review of the information along with critical input from Iowa citizens will give the Legislature the direction needed in the pursuit of transportation needs. Your voice is important!

Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, is a state representative in House District 30. Comments: davejjacoby@aol.com