Oklahoma City mayor doesn't expect state to fund Amtrak service

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett says he expects Amtrak service in the state to end in September when federal funding runs out.<br/><br/>Cornett says he doesn't think the state

Wednesday, February 16th 2005, 5:59 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett says he expects Amtrak service in the state to end in September when federal funding runs out.

Cornett says he doesn't think the state will provide the $4-million needed to keep the Heartland Flyer running between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. He says the train doesn't benefit enough communities for it to get substantial support in the Legislature.

The train leaves Oklahoma City every morning and runs through Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore and Gainesville, Texas, on its way to Fort Worth. It returns on the same path each evening.

Joe Kyle with the state Transportation Department's rail programs division says ridership on the Heartland Flyer is up 20% this year -- and he thinks Oklahomans would support keeping the Amtrak service.