Intermodal progress on hold

TOLEDO - An intermodal plan to bring hundreds of jobs to the region is on hold.

The City of Toledo is hoping to spend an estimated $15,000 on an intermodal project , but funds are not there due to the impacting recession.

Toledo City Council members are aware how important a transportation and logistics economic study is, the council is also trying to balance the 2008 and 2009 budgets, which take top priority.

Councilman Joe McNamara put the $15,000 on hold for two weeks, which would go toward the University of Toledo Joint Intermodal Task Force impact study. Council will then look at the issue and vote again.

"(The funds) come out of the general fund and we have an $8 million deficit in the general fund," the councilman said. "I think it's important that we figure how we are going to balance and close 2008 before we spend additional monies out of general fund."

A study was presented to city leaders in October 2008, informing of a possible mixed-rail, highway, air, and shipping hub was feasilble.

"Economics are tough right now and every expenditure has due diligence and will be scrutinzed," said Richard S. Martinko, Director of Intermodal Transportation Institute at the University of Toledo.

"I'm still very confident. This project that has significant impact to the community will be eventually get funded.