IOWA CITY — Republican Gov.-elect Terry Branstad says he wants to learn more before deciding whether to accept $230 million in federal money to pay for passenger rail service between Iowa City and Chicago.

Branstad tells The Gazette he has concerns about whether the planned train service would be cost-effective but won’t make any quick decisions. Other newly elected Republican governors in Wisconsin and Ohio say they’ll scrap plans for passenger rail expansion in their states.

The planned route from Chicago to Iowa City is expected to cost $310 million. Iowa and Illinois would split the $80 million cost after federal assistance.

Republican Rep. Kraig Paulsen, who will become House speaker when the Legislature convenes in January, says he’s also unsure whether he’ll support the rail expansion.

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