U.S. Railcar Plans $14M Factory In Ohio

Railcar company intends to build a $14 million factory in suburban Columbus that would make diesel-fueled passenger cars for a high-speed rail network and employ about 160 people.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio transportation officials have agreed to support a private company's bid to make passenger trains that would run on President Barack Obama's proposed high-speed rail network.

U.S. Railcar LLC intends to build a $14 million factory in suburban Columbus that would make diesel-fueled passenger cars and employ about 160 people.

The company would apply for $8.7 million in federal stimulus money to build the plant. The state is offering $3.6 million in economic assistance, and the company says it has secured an additional $2.1 million in private investments.

The Ohio Rail Development Commission agreed Thursday to sponsor the company's stimulus application, which is due Tuesday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation expects to make a decision in January.

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