Leadership Role Positions Region to Advance Rail Opportunities in Central Ohio
Dublin Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes has been named chair of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC) Central Ohio Passenger Rail Advisory Council.
Amorose Groomes brings extensive regional leadership experience to the position, having previously served as chair of the MORPC Board. Notably, she holds the distinction of being MORPC’s longest-serving chair. Under her new leadership role, she will guide regional stakeholders as they transition from transit planning to executing actionable rail strategies.
Led by MORPC member communities, the Central Ohio Passenger Rail Advisory Council advises and helps steer passenger rail planning and ancillary work in Central Ohio. The council coordinates closely with local municipalities, policy experts, and business leaders to advocate for the return of robust passenger rail infrastructure to the region.
“The return of passenger rail is a vital economic and community driver for Central Ohio,” said Amorose Groomes. “Connecting our urban, suburban, and rural communities by rail expands access to jobs, boosts local economies, and ensures our region remains a competitive and thriving place to live and work. Central Ohio is growing, and we must match that growth with a modern transit vision.”
Amorose Groomes succeeds Terry Emery, City Manager of the City of Marysville, as chair of the body. MORPC thanks Emery for his service in this role.
“The appointment of Mayor Amorose Groomes as Chair marks a pivotal moment for our region’s transportation future,” said Parag Agrawal, Chief Mobility Officer at MORPC. “Bringing passenger rail to Central Ohio is a monumental undertaking that no single community can achieve alone. It demands unprecedented regional cooperation, shared vision, and synchronized local leadership. Mayor Amorose Groomes brings the exact brand of collaborative diplomacy needed to unite our municipalities, align our regional resources, and successfully secure this transformative infrastructure for all of Central Ohio.”
The advisory council focuses heavily on advancing high-priority projects like the Midwest Connect Corridor. This proposed route aims to seamlessly link Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Pittsburgh.
For more information on the council, please visit: Central Ohio Passenger Rail Advisory Council – MORPC.org.
# # #
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is Central Ohio’s voice. As a Regional Council with more than 90 local governments and community partners, we provide nonpartisan data analysis, community resources, and long-range planning. Together, we drive the future prosperity and sustainability of the Central Ohio region. Learn more at www.morpc.org.
