Sykes Pushing for Akron-Canton Rail Stop To Boost Economic Development in Eastern Ohio

Sykes has long been advocating for an Akron-Canton rail stop to help connect Eastern Ohio’s workers and families to economic, educational, and health care opportunities across the state.

Listen / read more about her work:

• The Ohio Department of Transportation needs to consider an Akron-Canton passenger rail stop as part of its future planning, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes says.
• “The Akron-Canton region is the fourth largest region in Ohio and the only large metropolitan area without a proposed passenger rail line,” wrote Sykes, D-Akron, whose district covers all of Summit County and half of Stark County.
• “The region offers travel connections through the Akron-Canton Regional Airport, higher education opportunities at five distinct institutions, several health care systems, countless manufacturing companies, and various attractions such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Akron Art Museum, the Akron Zoo, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
• “Furthermore, the business community, led by the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, has united to advocate for the addition of a passenger rail service stop in the region, recognizing the economic benefits and increased connectivity it would bring to the area.”

• [Rep. Sykes’] letter says residents of the Akron-Canton region have advocated for a passenger rail line for many years, and the 2019 State of Ohio Rail Plan notes that “there is interest from local stakeholders in establishing a rail service between the Akron-Canton Airport and the Football Hall of Fame in Canton.”
• “The Akron-Canton region is the fourth largest region in Ohio and the only large metropolitan area without a proposed passenger rail line,” the letter says, describing the areas amenities including the airport, universities, countless manufacturing companies and that the business community is advocating for it.
• “The region is a gateway to Ohio and from the East Coast of the United States; a rail stop would better connect the workers and families of Eastern Ohio to economic, educational and healthcare opportunities across the state and the region” the letter says. “Failing to provide such infrastructure would undoubtedly result in adverse consequences for the economic development of the region.”
• At a House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee hearing in May, Sykes brought her case for an Amtrak stop in Akron or Canton to the head of Ohio’s Rail Development Commission, Matthew Dietrich.

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