With the United States Department of Transportation redirecting high-speed rail money originally intended for Wisconsin and Ohio rail projects, Iowa could be one of many states receiving a boost in funding.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced the redirection of $1.195 billion in funds on Thursday.

"Because Wisconsin and Ohio are not moving forward on high-speed rail projects, more money is available for other states," he said in the release.

The passenger-rail plan between Iowa City and Chicago received a $230 million grant in October; the total cost has been projected at $310 million.

— by Mitchell Schmidt