12.07.23

Durbin, Duckworth Announce Funding for 12 Rail Corridors in Illinois

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration has selected 12 rail corridors in Illinois to each receive $500,000 for expansions and renovations through the new Corridor Identification and Development (CID) Program, which was established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Rail corridors serve as vital lifelines, weaving through the very heart of our state and connecting our residents with unparalleled convenience,” said Durbin. “This funding will put us on a path toward a better-connected Illinois, fostering economic growth, enhancing accessibility, and ensuring a brighter, more interconnected future for all Illinoisans.”

“Connecting Illinoisans by rail allows families to commute to work, visit loved ones and explore our great state with more ease and reliability,” said Duckworth. “Along with greater options for transportation, these federal resources—authorized through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—will help provide good-paying, local jobs as Illinoisans plan for and eventually build out these corridor expansions.”

The following Corridors will receive funding:

  • Peoria to Chicago Passenger Rail Service
  • Chicago to Quad Cities Service Extension Program
  • Chicago to Carbondale Corridor
  • Chicago to St. Louis Corridor
  • Hannibal Extension of Existing Chicago-Quincy Corridor
  • North Coast Hiawatha
  • Chicago to Grand Rapids Corridor
  • Wolverine Corridor
  • Daily Cardinal Service
  • Milwaukee to Chicago Hiawatha Service Expansion
  • Indianapolis - Chicago Corridor
  • Chicago to Port Huron Corridor

The purpose of the CID Program is to develop a comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development program that will help guide rail development throughout the country and create a pipeline of passenger projects ready forimplementation.

-30-