Ohio is in line to receive a share of $5.25 million in federal funds to upgrade rail crossings between Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, bringing the proposed passenger line connecting the state's major cities one step closer to reality.

        The designation of the line from Chicago to Cleveland to Cincinnati as a high-speed corridor was announced Thursday by U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater.

        Ohio Department of Transportation officials said studies need to be done to see which intersections need to be upgraded to handle trains traveling 90 mph or faster, the speed reached by most passenger trains. Freight trains generally travel slower.

        The improvements could allow the addition of the “3C” route from Cincinnati to Columbus and Cleveland, said officials with the Ohio Rail Development Commission.

        “The city is very enthusiastic about that,” said John Deatrick, Cincinnati transportation director. “We're very eager to help the route land here.”

        From Cincinnati's Union Terminal, Amtrak currently offers service only along its Chicago-Washington, D.C., “Cardinal” route.

        Mr. Deatrick said a route through the city and final station for the proposed line have yet to be finalized, and could not say when it could be operational. He said many crossings throughout the city and area could be upgraded even though trains would not be traveling at 90 mph through populated areas.

        “Every minute counts with those guys,” Mr. Deatrick said.

        Mr. Cunningham said the state won't do much until the state determines how much work is needed.

        “We just hope these grants don't come out of the highway trust fund,” said Mr. Cunningham, referring to the federal funds given to states for road work.

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