In a guest column for the Des Moines Register, Iowa State Emeritus of Economics professor C. Phillip Baumel stresses the importance of passenger rail in Iowa. Baumel explains that there is stimulus money available for transportation projects and that the projects that are chosen should increase efficiency. He feels that passenger rail for Iowa is one such project.

Baumel stresses the economic benefits associated with passenger rail, including the jobs it will create and the economic growth it will provide. He highlights the history of rail and how it is much more modern and economical than it once was. Rail cars are now more energy efficient and the rail system is completely computerized.

Instead of throwing money at inefficient projects, Baumel claims funding “should be allocated to transportation projects that have a high probability of increasing productivity and sustained job growth.”

To read the column in its entirety, go here