06.25.09

Durbin Announces $94 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Metra Repairs

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded Metra a $94,222,481 grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

“The Recovery Act funding announced today will create good paying jobs in Illinois and increase the appeal of public transit as an affordable, reliable, environmentally friendly alternative to car travel,” said Durbin.

 

Last week, Metra was awarded a $46.6 million grant for bridge rehabilitation and reconstruction specifically on the Electric District and the Union Pacific North Line and for the replacement of fiber optic cable on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe commuter rail line. Today’s funding – bringing the total amount awarded to over $140 million – will also be used on these two projects which will provide essential signal and communications information and improve system safety and operations.

 

Additionally, the funding will also be used to install platform shelters that will be used to provide protection from weather-related elements for inbound and outbound passengers, giving them a more comfortable commuter experience; to install highly efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerant that will be used to convert air conditioning systems to conform to current Environmental Protection Agency requirements; to complete station renovation that will improve passenger amenities and bring the station areas into compliance with the requirements of ADA and to rehabilitate platforms to bring them up to proper elevations and ADA compliance ensuring safe boarding of passengers.