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OHIO RAIL

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50 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

(614) 644-0306 telephone (614) 728-4520

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/ohiorail/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stu Nicholson

Date: July 29, 2004 (614)644-0513

New Ohio Rail Map Goes Top Tech:

ORDC Produces Truly Intermodal State Map/Development Tool

(Columbus) – State of the art computer mapping technology has helped produce Ohio’s first state rail map showing how all transportation modes interconnect and making it easier to plan for Ohio’s transportation and economic future. The Ohio Rail Development Commission’s newly-published Ohio Rail Map 2004 features not only a more accurate picture of Ohio’s over 5-thousand miles of operating rail lines, but Ohio’s highways, airports, waterways and ports as well.

“As we face a future that’s putting greater demands for moving freight and people in Ohio, this map and the system that produced it will not only better inform the public, but allow ORDC to plan even more effectively how Ohio’s railroads can provide a crucial link with other modes”, says ORDC Executive Director James Seney. “This new map will be an indispensable economic development tool for Ohio businesses and industries, as well as for local government and community leaders looking to deal with such issues as urban/suburban growth and traffic congestion.”

Seney says the new map is a response to studies by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO): “Both studies show Ohio is facing projected double-digit increases in freight traffic over the next 20 years, carrying the potential to seriously strain our transportation systems. Having a more accurate and useful map will give us an important planning tool to turn this challenge into a positive gain for Ohio’s economy.”

Working closely with ODOT’s communications and technical services staff, GIS (Geographic Information System) technology was used to enable the “overlay” of several maps to show where railroads intersect with other modes, especially at key shipping points in our cities and ports. This also makes future map changes easier, allowing ORDC to update any changes in Ohio’s rail network.

Copies of the new Ohio Rail Map 2004 can be obtained by either calling or e-mailing ORDC’s Susan Arduini at 614-644-0306 or susan.arduini@dot.state.oh.us . Please include you name or the name of your organization, a mailing address, e-mail and phone number.

Due to the anticipated demand, bulk requests for the Ohio Rail Map 2004 will be limited to lots of 100 maps per request. Once those run out, you may request another 100.

(The Ohio Rail Development Commission is an independent agency operating within the Ohio Department of Transportation. ORDC is responsible for economic development through the improvement and expansion of passenger and freight rail service, railroad grade crossing safety and rail travel & tourism issues. For more information about what ORDC does for Ohio, visit our website at http://www.dot.state.oh.us/ohiorail/ )