Archive for the ‘Press Releases’ Category



Durbin, Kirk, Quinn Announce $186 Million for Chicago to St. Louis High Speed Rail

Funding rejected by Florida will improve Chicago to St. Louis route
Posted Wednesday May 4 2011 by Brian Williamsen in Federal HSR Funding, Press Releases

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn in announcing that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $186 million in high speed rail funding to finance track and other improvements on the Chicago to St. Louis corridor between Dwight and Joliet.  Earlier today, the Department of Transportation notified Congressional Appropriators that they have reprogrammed $400 million of the $2 billion in funding that was rejected by the governor of Florida.

“Illinois will be able to use this funding to upgrade an important segment of the Chicago to St. Louis corridor,” said Durbin, a Co-Chair and founding member of the Bi-Cameral High- Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Caucus.  “Improvements to this route will improve on-time performance, increase travel speeds and create jobs that our state badly needs.

“This project will create nearly 6,000 direct and indirect jobs, decrease delays and improve performance,” U.S. Senator Mark Kirk said.  “High speed rail projects like this one will ensure that Illinois remains at the center of the nation’s infrastructure network, attracting more jobs and making us more economically competitive.”

“Today’s announcement is an important step toward faster trains and even better rail service on the route between Chicago and St. Louis, ultimately making Illinois the Midwest’s hub for high-speed rail,” Governor Quinn said. “We are committed to quickly turning federal investment in rail into jobs and economic development across the state. This latest award is another example of our ongoing efforts to lead the nation in development of high-speed rail.”

Illinois’s application for rejected Florida funding included two other high speed rail projects that are still eligible for funding.  The other projects requested are: A multi-state $806.8 million application for new train cars and locomotives equipment, including $262.8 million for new train cars to operate along several Illinois corridors and $1 million for preliminary engineering and environmental work on a new station in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Last month, Durbin and Kirk led a group of Illinois Congressional Delegation members in expressing support for Illinois’ application for the federal funding for high speed rail projects that was rejected by the governor of Florida.  In their letter to the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, the members stressed the importance of the Chicago to St. Louis route as the backbone of the Midwest passenger rail system.  Members signing on to that letter included: Durbin, Kirk, Representatives Jerry Costello (D-IL), Don Manzullo (R-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL).

“We believe Illinois offers the greatest opportunity for your Department to enhance mobility, reduce reliance on foreign oil, lessen congestion and provide steady employment in a region hard hit by job loss,” wrote the members.  “The Midwest rail system, with Chicago as its hub, could provide 3,000 miles of high speed rail service and serve 90 percent of the 60.3 million people living in its nine-state region.  A significant federal investment into this region will create a rail system that could carry nearly as much traffic as regional air service.”

One year ago, the entire Illinois Congressional delegation wrote to LaHood to communicate their belief that Illinois provides the best opportunity to invest in high speed rail.   Since then, the Department of Transportation has awarded over $1.4 billion in high speed rail funding to Illinois, including funding for the CREATE project, new rail service from Chicago to the Quad Cities and implementing 110 mph service on the Chicago to St. Louis  line.  Last December, Illinois received $42.3 million in high speed rail funding that was rejected by the governors of Ohio and Wisconsin.

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Federal Investment in High-Speed Rail Could Spur 1.3 Million Jobs

Posted Monday April 11 2011 by Brian Williamsen in Federal HSR Funding, Press Releases

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a report detailing the enormous impact high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects will have in driving  job development,  while also rebuilding America’s manufacturing sector and generating billions of dollars in business sales.  This report focuses on key issues critical to private investors as they consider investments or future expansion into businesses serving the growing passenger rail markets.

The report, “The Case for Business Investment in High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail” reinforces the point that investments in high-speed and intercity rail will have many direct and indirect benefits.  Nationally, due to proposed federal investment of high-speed rail over a six-year period, investment can result in supporting and creating more than 1.3 million jobs.  This federal investment will be the catalyst for attracting state, local and private capital which will result in the support and creation of even more jobs. 

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Post Link: http://www.apta.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/2011/Pages/110406_HSR_Business.aspx

Illinois Department of Transportation April 2011 HSR Applications

Posted Thursday April 7 2011 by admin in Federal HSR Funding, News Articles - Midwest High-Speed Rail, Press Releases

On April 4, 2011, IDOT submitted applications to the Federal Railroad Administration for additional High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Program funding. View the applications:

Illinois Next Generation Pooled Equipment Procurement (4.5 MB PDF)
IL-Chicago – St Louis Corridor Supplement (FDC) (73 MB PDF)
IL-Chicago – St Louis Corridor Supplement SDP (76 MB PDF)
IL-Metro St Louis Area Station PE-NEPA (4.5 MB PDF)

Statement of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on High-Speed Rail

Posted Wednesday April 6 2011 by Brian Williamsen in Federal HSR Funding, Press Releases

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood issued the following statement today regarding the $2.4 billion available for High-Speed Rail:

 “Today, we are another step closer to delivering an innovative, national transportation network that brings new jobs and economic opportunity to the American people. Since I announced the availability of an additional $2.4 billion for high-speed rail projects, governors and members of Congress have been clamoring for the opportunity to participate. That’s because they know that high-speed rail will deliver tens of thousands of jobs, spur economic development across their communities and create additional options for their citizens as the country’s population grows. We have received more than 90 applications from 24 states, the District of Columbia and Amtrak for projects in the Northeast Corridor, with preliminary requests totaling nearly $10 billion dollars. We are extremely pleased to see the bipartisan enthusiasm behind all of the requests to get into the high-speed rail business. Thanks to President Obama’s bold vision for a national high speed rail network, we will win the future for America.”

 Additional background:

Showing bi-partisan support for President Obama’s High-Speed Rail program, 24 states, the District of Columbia and Amtrak (for projects in the Northeast Corridor) submitted just under $10 billion in funding requests. 

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Post Link: http://www.fra.dot.gov/roa/press_releases/fp_DOT44-11.shtml

Governor Quinn Announces Major Agreement to Advance High-Speed Rail in Illinois

Commitment Will Create More Than 6,000 Jobs, Begin Next Phase of Construction on Chicago-St. Louis Corridor
Posted Tuesday March 22 2011 by Brian Williamsen in Press Releases
CHICAGO – March 22, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $685 million agreement to begin construction on the next phase of high-speed rail between Chicago and St. Louis. The federally funded project will create an estimated 6,200 direct and indirect jobs and move Illinois one step closer to faster trains and improved service along its signature high-speed route. Governor Quinn was joined at today’s announcement by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, railroad workers and suppliers, Union Pacific Railroad officials, and federal, state, and local leaders.

“Today’s agreement marks another major step towards making high-speed rail a reality in Illinois,” said Governor Quinn. “Bringing high-speed rail to Illinois has been a top priority of my administration because of the thousands of jobs and long-term investment it will bring to our state. This important partnership with the Union Pacific Railroad and the Obama administration will boost our efforts to make Illinois the high-speed rail hub of the Midwest.”

Today’s announcement allows for the construction of new rail track using concrete ties between Dwight and Lincoln, as well as between Alton and the Mississippi River, along with the installation of a modernized signal system between Dwight and Alton. Construction will begin on April 5 and is funded through $1.2 billion in federal funding awarded to Illinois to expand passenger rail. Illinois is showing its financial commitment by providing more than $42 million in state capital funding.

“High-speed rail is more than just an alternative mode of travel – it is a shot in the arm to today’s recovering economy, and an investment in infrastructure that will serve us for generations to come,” U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said. ”With Chicago as its hub, the Midwest high-speed rail network will create an estimated $23.1 billion in economic activity and create 6,000 jobs over the next ten years. That economic boost is already being felt in and around Alton, where construction began several months ago. The federally funded construction agreement announced today kick starts the next phase of the project and ushers in more than $650 million of construction, and an estimated 6,200 jobs, starting this summer.”

“Passenger and freight rail have played a central role in making Chicago and the Midwest a great place to live and work,” said Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “The construction made possible by the agreement announced today will help Illinois achieve a robust 21st Century transportation network that promotes economic growth and helps meet the region’s future mobility needs.”

Construction of the entire Chicago-to-St. Louis line is anticipated to ultimately create and retain 24,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout the state. The first phase of the line – a $98-million upgrade of tracks between Lincoln and Alton – was launched in September, making Illinois the first state to break ground under the federal initiative to develop a Midwest high-speed rail network.

Construction work directly implemented by the UP will be built by members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way and Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen under their national contracts with the railroad. A large majority of workers under these contracts are expected to be hired from Illinois. In addition, more than $650 million of the total $1.2 billion federal grant will go to competitively-selected contractors. To assist firms seeking to become qualified to bid on the work, the UP will host an event after the Chicago Business Opportunity Fair on April 20 at Chicago’s Navy Pier for those interested potential contractors.

The first trains traveling at 110 mph on the Chicago-to-St. Louis line will make their debut between Dwight and Pontiac as early as next year. Upgrades to the entire Dwight-Alton portion of the corridor are expected to be complete by 2014. The state also is conducting a study on the feasibility of bringing 220-mph service to Illinois.

“We are proud to be leaders on a project that will reduce congestion, benefit the environment and spark economic development,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. “We will see the returns on our efforts to develop the Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed corridor for years to come.”

In December, the Illinois Department of Transportation started a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement to study the potential for a second set of tracks between Chicago and St. Louis and to identify the preferred route for trains between Chicago and Joliet. Another component is an analysis of the best path of the line through Springfield. The study is expected to be completed in 2012.
RAW TAPE: Governor announces major high speed rail agreement. Speakers include Governor Pat Quinn and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
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Post Link: http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=9293

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Makes $2.4 Billion Available for High-Speed Rail Projects Across America

Posted Saturday March 19 2011 by Brian Williamsen in Press Releases

USDOT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that he is making available approximately $2.4 billion, through a competitive process, to states eager to develop high-speed rail corridors across the United States.

“The Obama Administration’s bold high-speed rail plan will create jobs, reinvigorate our manufacturing sector and spur economic development for years to come,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “States across the country have been banging down our door for the opportunity to receive additional high-speed rail dollars and to deliver all of its economic benefits to their citizens.”

President Obama’s vision is to connect 80 percent of Americans to high-speed rail within the next 25 years. To put America on track towards that goal, the Obama Administration has proposed a six-year, $53 billion plan that will provide rail access to new communities; improve the reliability, speed and frequency of existing lines; and, where it makes economic sense, build new corridors where trains will travel at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour.

The Obama Administration’s investments in high-speed rail are also projected to create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs in the United States. Jobs will be created both directly on manufacturing, construction and operation of rail lines, and indirectly, as the result of economic developments along rail corridors. A report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, projected that high-speed rail would create tens of thousands of jobs in cities and along rail corridors across the United States.

A one-hundred percent ‘Buy America’ requirement for high-speed rail projects also ensures that U.S. manufacturers and workers will receive the maximum economic benefits from this federal investment. And, in 2009, Secretary LaHood secured a commitment from 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers to employ American workers and locate or expand their base of operations in the U.S. if they are selected for high-speed-rail contracts.

A merit-driven process will be used to award the newly available high-speed rail dollars to projects that can deliver public and economic benefits quickly. A project’s ability to reduce energy consumption, improve the efficiency of a region’s overall transportation network, and generate sustained economic activity along the corridor are among the selection criteria. Applications for the additional high-speed rail money will be due on April 4, 2011.

Information about the Notice of Funding Availability can be found here: http://www.fra.dot.gov/rpd/passenger/477.shtml.

Post Link: http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/dot2911.html

State and Federal Officials Announce Historic High-Speed Rail Agreement for Illinois

Posted Wednesday December 22 2010 by Brian Williamsen in Press Releases

Cooperative Agreement Advances Construction and Safety Improvements on Chicago to St. Louis Corridor; Will Create More Than 5,000 Jobs

CHICAGO – Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today announced that a historic public-private partnership agreement on high-speed rail development is in place to bring Illinois one giant step closer to achieving high-speed passenger service between Chicago and St. Louis by 2014.

Governor Pat Quinn, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood together praised the signing of the historic Cooperative Agreement by the federal government, state government, Union Pacific Railroad, and Amtrak as a crucial advance in the development of a planned high-speed passenger rail network that will serve Illinois and the Midwest region.

“ Clearly, the leadership, perseverance and commitment of Governor Quinn, Senator Durbin, and our private sector partners, has vaulted Illinois into the lead on the development of high-speed rail,” Secretary Hannig said. “This announcement is about more than just an historic achievement for Illinois and the Midwest. It is a celebration of the kind of partnership and vision that is creating jobs now and providing needed access to a crucial regional transportation alternative.”

In September 2010, Governor Quinn announced that Illinois had become the first state in the nation to begin high-speed rail construction through an initial agreement to upgrade 90 miles of track between Alton and Lincoln. With the full Cooperative Agreement now in place, construction will continue in early spring from just south of Lincoln to Dwight. This phase of work is expected to conclude next fall.

The next step would then be the installation of new, enhanced grade crossing warning protection. The public can expect to enjoy its first taste of 110 mile-per-hour train service when a 20-mile segment between Dwight and Pontiac is completed in 2012. Procurement of new cars and locomotives, as well as station upgrades, will be other facets of the project completed under the Cooperative Agreement.

“It’s a wonderful day for Illinoisans as we celebrate a milestone achievement towards becoming the first state in the nation to bring high-speed rail to fruition,” Governor Pat Quinn said. “We applaud the cooperation and hard work of all participating agencies to bring high-speed rail service, thousands of jobs, and economic growth to communities across the state.”

“I’m proud that Illinois continues to lead the country in its pursuit of high-speed rail service. This agreement marks one more milestone in our quest to make safe, reliable, high-speed rail service a reality in just a handful of years,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “I want to commend Governor Pat Quinn and IDOT Sec. Gary Hannig for their efforts to keep the Chicago-St. Louis corridor on track, while other states have fallen behind. The benefits of staying on deadline are great: as the project advances, more jobs will be created and, with each step, we’re closer to making Illinois more competitive in the 21st century global economy.”

The Cooperative Agreement also outlines current plans for 110-mph high-speed rail service upon the completion of the construction that began in September. The agreement calls for a total of five daily round trips between Chicago and St. Louis, including three daily high-speed round trips in the initial 2014 schedule — and confirms on-time performance expectations of at least 80 percent for the service. Expected reductions in travel time of as much as 48 minutes between Chicago and St. Louis are also noted in the agreement, shortening the trip between the two cities to as little as 4 hours, 32 minutes. Amtrak operates passenger rail service along the route in cooperation with Union Pacific, which owns the track.

“Congratulations to the State of Illinois, Union Pacific Railroad, and Amtrak,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “This agreement will ensure a strong performance for the operation of high-speed passenger trains, while simultaneously protecting, preserving and improving our world-class rail freight system.”

“Our priority in working out this agreement was to protect Union Pacific’s ability to provide the exceptional freight service our customers need and expect, while helping public agencies invest in improved passenger service,” said Jim Young, Union Pacific chairman and chief executive officer. “This agreement allows us to deliver on those customer commitments.”

In January 2010, the Obama administration awarded Illinois more than $1.2 billion in federal stimulus funds for high-speed passenger rail projects, including corridor improvements on Illinois’ signature route: Chicago to St. Louis.

Post Link: http://www.dot.il.gov/press/r122210_a.html

Governor Quinn Announces $32 Million for Joliet Multi-Modal Transportation Center

Posted Thursday October 28 2010 by Brian Williamsen in Press Releases

New Station Will Improve Rail Reliability, Increase Safety, Create 650 Jobs

JOLIET – October 28, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced $32 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program to construct a multi-modal transportation station in downtown Joliet. The new transportation center is expected to create 650 jobs, laying the groundwork for future transit-oriented development in downtown Joliet.

 “This project will revitalize downtown Joliet and improve safety for the 800,000 passengers who use the city’s Union Station every year,” said Governor Quinn. “Investment in passenger rail supports our state’s continued economic recovery by creating jobs and stimulating development throughout the region.”

The new station will separate passenger and freight rail traffic, eliminating the ongoing problem of passengers crossing working freight tracks. All passenger platform and waiting areas will be moved east of the existing three-way intersection of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Union Pacific and Rock Island District Line tracks. The project also includes pedestrian tunnels that connect to Pace bus service, inter-city bus service and other forms of ground transportation, and a new 500-space parking lot.

“This new transportation center will improve Metra and Amtrak service reliability, provide better connections between residents and jobs, and ease freight congestion in one of northeastern Illinois’ most crowded areas,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, who joined Governor Quinn for today’s announcement.

The $42 million project also includes $7.5 million in funding from the City of Joliet and $2.2 million from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. The Regional Transit Authority, Pace, Metra, Amtrak, Will County and Union Pacific all served as key partners in the development of this project.

Today’s announcement is a part of the overall plan to develop high speed rail service between Chicago and St. Louis. Last month, Governor Quinn announced that Illinois was the first state to begin high-speed rail construction. Earlier this week Governor Quinn announced $230 million in federal funds to build passenger rail service between Iowa City, Moline and Chicago. 

In addition to the new intermodal center, Governor Quinn recently announced the reconstruction of Interstate 55 at Arsenal Road, which will support nearly 900 jobs and help attract businesses to the Joliet area. Earlier this year, Governor Quinn signed the Intermodal Facilities Promotion Act to encourage business development along the freight rail systems of Illinois. CenterPoint Properties projects 7,000 permanent new jobs being brought to Illinois through an intermodal facility in Joliet.

Governor Quinn Highlights $230 Million to Build Chicago-to-Iowa City Passenger Rail

Posted Thursday October 28 2010 by Brian Williamsen in Press Releases

Intercity Rail Project will Create 2,100 Jobs, Boost Regional Economy

MOLINE – October 27, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today highlighted $230 million in federal funds to build passenger rail service between Iowa City, Moline and Chicago. Service between Chicago and Moline is expected to begin in 2013 with full service to Iowa City to follow in 2015. The project is expected to create more than 2,100 jobs in Illinois. Governor Quinn was joined at today’s announcement by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Representative Phil Hare and Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.

“Passenger rail is important to our state’s continued economic recovery, creating jobs and stimulating economic development throughout the region for many years to come,” said Governor Quinn. “I want to thank Senator Durbin and Congressman Hare for their leadership in helping make this project possible.”

Awarded jointly to Iowa and Illinois on Monday through a competitive process, the $230 million will fund the development of a new corridor of rail service and mark the return of passenger train service to the Quad Cities for the first time since 1979.

In addition, Governor Quinn is investing $45 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program for the line’s construction and Iowa is contributing $20.6 million. Last week, Governor Quinn, Senator Durbin and Congressman Hare announced $16.6 million for a new multi-modal station in Moline, which will serve as a stop along the new corridor.

“This new train line is just the beginning,” said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “The route from Chicago to the Quad Cities will pave the way for new train service across the Midwest and give us the opportunity to show the world that we can build our trains and locomotives right here in America. I thank Secretary LaHood, Governor Quinn, Congressman Hare and the Iowa Delegation for seeing the potential in this route becoming an integral part of the Midwest rail network.”

Nicknamed “The Green Line,” the new corridor will set the standard for environmentally-friendly rail service, including the use of biofuels and soy-based lubricants produced in Illinois and Iowa.

“The good news keeps pouring in for the Quad Cities. This funding will effectively complete the Quad Cities-Chicago Amtrak route,” Representative Hare said. “This project is a winner for our entire community. It will create jobs, spur economic development, and provide a safe and convenient transportation alternative. I couldn’t be prouder to have played a role in making this a reality.”

In addition, the Chicago-to-Detroit corridor will receive $161 million to rehabilitate tracks on a portion of the route to allow for high-speed service to Detroit. The Midwest also received funding to improve travel times and reliability on both the Chicago-to-Milwaukee and Chicago-to-St. Louis corridors.

The Midwest system has received more than $3 billion in competitive federal awards in 2010. When completed, the system will connect more than 40 of the largest cities in the Midwest with passenger rail, including 60 daily roundtrips out of Chicago.

Post Link: http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=9012

Harkin, Durbin announce $230 million in funding for new rail service from Chicago to Iowa City through the Quad Cities

Posted Tuesday October 26 2010 by Brian Williamsen in Press Releases

IowaPolitics.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: October 25, 2010 Harkin: Kate Cyrul (202) 224-3254 Durbin: Christina Mulka (202) 557-8419

Project will create 588 jobs per year with service scheduled to begin in 2015

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that $230 million in federal funding was awarded today by the Department of Transportation for a new Amtrak route between Chicago and Iowa City through the Quad Cities. The project – scheduled for completion in 2015 – will create 588 jobs per year for the first four years of design and construction. Once initiated, the new service is expected to increase business activity at $25 million per year.

“I applaud the Obama Administration’s commitment to increasing transportation opportunities in the Midwest, which will get a much-needed boost with this funding. I also commend Governor Culver, who has been a leader in our state on this effort working with Congressmen Boswell, Braley and Loebsack,” said Harkin. “Passenger rail from Iowa City to Chicago will create jobs now and, once it is a part of a broad intercity network to Des Moines and all around the Midwest, will help our economy in the long-term as well as add convenience for many Iowans. In order to be truly successful, this rail service must connect to a high-speed intercity network. Planning and building this network is already underway.”

“Securing such a significant investment from the federal government wouldn’t have been possible without the coordinated efforts of state and local officials in Illinois and Iowa and the strong community support for expanding Amtrak service to the Quad Cities,” said Durbin. “And this is a project that will see a return on that investment. Not only will it create nearly 600 jobs per year and stimulate economic activity, but for every dollar spent, the public will see $1.70 returned in reduced costs for transportation, fuel and pollution. I thank Secretary LaHood, Senator Harkin, Governors Quinn and Culver and Congressman Hare for seeing the potential in this route becoming an integral part of the Midwest rail network.”

The new Chicago – Quad Cities – Iowa City route will provide two daily round-trips and carry trains traveling at speeds up to 79 miles per hour (mph) with an expected trip time of less than 5 hours. The long-term vision for the line includes expanding the frequency of trains to offer more than two daily round-trip trains; extending the route; and making additional infrastructure investments to increase speeds from 79 mph to 90 mph, or even 110 mph.

“The Green Line between Chicago to Iowa City—and, in the near future, on to Des Moines and to western Iowa—which has been funded today in an extraordinarily tough competition with passenger rail proposals across America, will set a new national standard for reliable, cost-effective, fuel-efficient passenger rail service in the United States,” said Iowa Governor Chet Culver. “This will not only create jobs and spur development, but work toward the Culver-Judge Administration’s goal of making Iowa the best-connected state in America. Iowa’s families and business travelers deserve world-class travel options—and passenger rail service needs to be one of those options. This new development in Iowa transportation history builds upon successful efforts by the Culver-Judge Administration to secure funding to improve and maintain passenger rail service through southern Iowa. Today’s announcement will also inspire efforts to establish new passenger rail from Chicago to Dubuque and points westward from there.”

“Illinois is quickly becoming the rail hub of the Midwest, and this new route means that for the first time, passengers can travel from Chicago to the Quad Cities – and beyond – quickly and effortlessly,” said Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. “I would like to thank Senator Durbin and Secretary LaHood for their work to help us continue our economic recovery by putting hundreds of Illinoisans each year back to work expanding Illinois’ railway infrastructure.”

Illinois and Iowa are part of a nine state regional effort in the Midwest to build an integrated high speed rail network. These states have already completed careful planning and made significant investments to modernize our existing passenger rail system. The Midwest rail system, with Chicago as its hub, could provide 3,000 miles of high speed rail service and serve 90 percent of the 60.3 million people living in its nine-state region. A significant federal investment into this region could create a rail system that could carry nearly as much traffic as regional air service.

Last week, $10 million in funding was awarded by the Department of Transportation for the construction of an intermodal station which will serve as the Quad Cities stop for Amtrak service in downtown Moline. The proposed Intermodal Station located adjacent to the Centre Station transit facility will spur development in downtown Moline and throughout the Quad Cities region. Construction is expected to generate nearly 750 construction jobs and result in the retention or creation of 1,100 private sector jobs. An additional $47 million in private investment will come to the Quad Cities as a result of the transit oriented development centered on the Amtrak station.

“This investment is a much-needed first step in bringing high-speed passenger rail through Des Moines and across the state of Iowa,” said Congressman Leonard Boswell (D-IA), a senior Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Not only will this grant create jobs, but it will lay the foundation for future growth in Iowa and the Midwest. Iowans deserve to have access to the same transportation options available on the coasts.”

“Today’s announcement is great news for Iowa,” said Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA). “The Chicago to Iowa City route will create jobs and bring significant economic gains to Eastern Iowa. I’m proud of the work I’ve done with my colleagues in Iowa and Illinois to make this route possible. This is one more step to create jobs in the short term and putting Iowa’s economy back on track.”

“This funding is critical as we work to rebuild our economy now and will lay the groundwork for Iowa’s future growth,” said Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA). “Passenger rail will help connect our cities and towns and it will help Iowa businesses and communities compete and grow. It has been a collaborative public-private partnership and I was pleased to be able to work with local and state business and community leaders to move this project forward. I look forward to the good-paying jobs and continued economic development that passenger rail will bring to Iowa and will continue to work to ensure that service eventually reaches Des Moines and Omaha.”

“The good news keeps pouring in for the Quad Cities. This funding will effectively complete the Quad Cities-Chicago Amtrak route,” said Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL). “This project is a winner for our entire community. It will create jobs, spur economic development, and provide a safe and convenient transportation alternative. I couldn’t be prouder to have played a role in making this a reality.”

Today’s funding is part of the $2.5 billion Congress appropriated in Fiscal Year 2010 for high speed rail corridors and intercity passenger rail service (HSPIR Program). The Department of Transportation received 20 applications from 10 states totaling $7.8 billion for high-speed rail corridor development programs and 57 applications from 18 states totaling $700 million for smaller, individual projects within rail corridors that are ready to begin construction. There is $1 billion included for the HSPIR Program in the 2011 Senate Transportation Appropriations bill which was approved by the Appropriations Committee and is awaiting action by the full Senate.

The long-term goal of the HSIPR Program – created in June 2009 – is to build an efficient, high-speed and emerging high speed passenger rail network connecting major population centers 100 to 600 miles apart. In the short-term, the program aims to aid economic recovery efforts and lay the foundation for this high-speed passenger rail network through targeted investments. Earlier this year, $8 billion was awarded nationwide under this program including $1.1 billion to bring high speed rail to the Chicago-St. Louis corridor.

Post Link: http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=215976

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