The MWRRP also envisions advancing and elevating MIPRC “as a governance structure with the clear authority, responsibility and mandate for overseeing and implementing the outcomes of the Midwest’s intercity rail planning initiative.”
The MWRRP was developed over several years under an FRA-led planning project with MIPRC and the 12 Midwestern state DOTs as the primary stakeholders. Other entities – such as Amtrak, Class I railroads, metropolitan planning organizations, advocacy groups and chambers of commerce – served a supporting role.
In December 2022, MIPRC applied for a $5 million CRISI planning grant to begin the work of refining and prioritizing corridor development envisioned by the plan to ensure that the region does indeed build on current plans to create a robust Midwest passenger rail network, serving all the states, and both urban and rural communities.