Rail service would be beneficial to state

Mike McCormick’s opinion piece on rail service rightly emphasized the importance of rail freight service for our local Shawnee industries. This need is primary, but without looking at the total picture, we may be throwing away an opportunity for federal matching funds that would make the project easier for Shawnee and Oklahoma to accomplish.  
The gentleman who presented the commuter rail proposal told us that 80 percent matching funds are available from the federal government for commuter rail systems. He also said that the quickest way to get started with commuter rail service was to upgrade the current tracks, which are now used for freight. That upgrade would be the first part of any commuter rail project, and after the upgrade, the tracks would be improved to a much higher level than needed for freight service.  
Oklahoma industry needs rail service to operate profitably. Many Oklahoma citizens need commuter rail if they are going to be able to continue their present lifestyles without selling their homes in bedroom communities like Shawnee and moving closer to work. 
In Oklahoma, oil companies and the highway building contractors have fought public transportation tooth and toenail for as long as I can remember. The only way that will change is if the people start speaking a little louder. Please write or call the governor and legislators and tell them you want public rail transportation. I promise you the highway contractors are talking to our leaders about their needs every day. 
Jo Davis
Shawnee