So with the current map that the FRA has released, here are what I think are most likely to get approved, in the bright lime green.
Here is my reasoning for all of them. If you think other routes have a high likelihood please explain why, I want to know.
- Cheyenne-Denver-Trinidad, already has state funding from Colorado and is one of the most important routes on this list as it will serve the front range corridor
- Yuma-Pheonix-Tucson, amtrak has already applied for funding for the route with its long distance service improvements request
- Bakersfield-Barstow, It fills in a massive gap with the bay area and LA by connecting them
- Oklahoma City-Wichita-Newton, Oklahoma has made it clear that they want to extend the Heartland Flyer and the Line has already had studies done
- Meridian-Jackson-Marshall-Fort Worth, The Cresent Extension is one of the main plans of the southern rail commission and is another key connection point in the amtrak system
- Minneapolis-Duluth, Minnesota already approved funding for the line
- Chicago-Indianapolis-Louisville- Nashville-Atlanta–Savannah-Miami, it is a more obvious route than the Floridian and the one the FRA focused on in the planning document, it also fills in the 2 largest missing corridors of Chicago to Atlanta and Miami.
- Sandport-Helena-Billings-Fargo, The North Coast Hiawatha is pretty much the reason this study was created by Jon Tester and also is an important previous route
- Cincinnati-Dayton-Columbus-Cleveland, it was going to be a route in the 2010s but got shelved and has also been planned. Everyone wants this to happen and Dewine might fund it
