LaHood turns down Kasich request to keep rail money

[The Straight Story]

LaHood turns down Kasich request to keep rail money

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is turning down a request by the newly elected Republican governor in Ohio to use $400 million awarded to the state under the federal high-speed train program for road-building and other projects.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a letter to Gov.-elect John Kasich that the Ohio train project - which would create regular speed passenger service between Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus - would be good for the state and national economy.

Kasich has promised to cancel the project, which he says the state can't afford. He sent a letter to Obama asking to use the money for roads and freight lines.

LaHood said the money can only be used for the train project.


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