FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): An early step for the rail is getting funding passed for an environmental impact study, and Councilman Jeff Paddock has been spearheading that effort. Paddock joined Fort Wayne's Morning News today ahead of the council's 5:30 meeting tonight where he hopes the proposal will make it out of committee. His proposal would be to fund the study with next year's budget, but Paddock says “We are hoping eventually for up to 80 percent funding from the federal government if this budget goes forward.” The council could vote as early as next week for a final passage.