Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Transportation and Infrastructure
Durbin Announces $18.7 Million Investment in Illinois Airport Infrastructure
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that three Illinois airports have received a total of $18,702,075 in grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for infrastructure improvements and upgrades. "Today's grants will allow airports in Illinois to make needed improvements and upgrades to help them reduce noise and serve travelers more safely and efficiently," said Durbin. The following investments in Illinois' transportation infrastructure were … Continue Reading
August 30, 2011
Durbin: Peoria International Airport to Receive a Nearly $3.5 Million Grant for Improvements
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $3,489,278 grant to the Greater Peoria Airport Authority for several safety and improvement projects at the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. This funding will be used to improve the airport's aircraft rescue and fire fighting building as well as for the rehabilitation of two runways and a taxiway. "Peoria International … Continue Reading
August 22, 2011
Durbin Announces $16.3 Million in Illinois Airport Infrastructure
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that several Illinois airports have received a total of $16,328,409 in grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for infrastructure improvements and upgrades. "Today's grants will allow airports in Illinois to make needed improvements and upgrades to help them serve travelers more safely and efficiently," said Durbin. The following investments in Illinois' transportation infrastructure were made under … Continue Reading
August 12, 2011
Durbin Announces Oak Forest and Metra to Receive DOT Funding for Station Project
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Illinois Department of Transportation a $1,304,400 grant for the modernization of the Oak Forest Metra Rail Station. "Today's funding for the Oak Forest Metra Station will increase the appeal of public transit as an affordable, reliable, environmentally friendly alternative to car travel," said Durbin. "Bringing these changes to the station will spur economic … Continue Reading
August 05, 2011
Durbin Statement on Agreement to Extend FAA Authorization
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after an agreement to extend FAA authorization was announced by Senator Reid earlier today: "Extending FAA authorization will put an estimated 74,000 Americans back to work and help keep airports and air operations in Illinois and around the country safe. I support this extension. "Congress' failure to reach a deal to extend FAA authorization before going home this week is no way to run a government. … Continue Reading
July 29, 2011
Durbin, Kirk Ask Airlines to Put Consumers First
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - In response to rising airline ticket rates following a partial Federal Aviation Administration shutdown, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) have sent a letter to Nicholas Calio, President and CEO of the Air Transport Association, calling into question the fare hikes instituted by many airlines. Congressional authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expired on July 22nd, resulting in the shutdown of certain FAA responsibilities and pause … Continue Reading
July 25, 2011
Durbin Announces Funding to Repair Loyola CTA Station and Take Steps Toward Future Red Line Modernization
[CHICAGO, IL] - The Loyola CTA Station will soon see major improvements, ensuring the safety of passengers and pedestrians, as the result of $11 million in federal funding, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said today. Durbin joined local elected officials, representatives of the CTA and Loyola University, and members of the Rogers Park community at the Loyola CTA Station to announce $18.5 million - including $11 million in federal funds - to begin immediate repairs to the dilapidated Loyola CTA … Continue Reading
July 21, 2011
Durbin: Metro East Port District Project to Receive Additional $8.5 Million in Funds
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Department of Transportation has awarded an additional $8,500,000 in funding Tri-City Regional Port District for a project to continue construction on a regional multimodal transportation hub in Metro East, Illinois. This award was part of $15,000,000 in Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program funding that was redistributed by the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, earlier … Continue Reading
July 19, 2011
Durbin Seeks Explanation of Ventilation Issues at Union Station
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin today asked the President and CEO of Amtrak, Joseph Boardman, for an update on their efforts to improve air quality in and around Union Station and an explanation of how the responsibility to ensure the air ventilation systems are operating properly is shared with private land owners near the station. "Amtrak, as the owner of Union Station, has a responsibility to ensure the air ventilation systems under their control are operating properly … Continue Reading
July 13, 2011
Durbin Asks Committee to Include Federal Taxpayer Protections in Next Surface Transportation Bill
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin today asked the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) to include his Protecting Taxpayers in Transportation Asset Transfers Act in their bill to reauthorize the Surface Transportation Act. Also included in today's letter was a list of Illinois priorities that Durbin would like to see incorporated in the EPW committee's legislation including: funding formulas that ensure a more equitable share of federal highway dollars for … Continue Reading
July 09, 2011
Durbin Brings Together Federal, State, and Local Stakeholders to Discuss Path Forward for Springfield Rail Consolidation
[SPRINGFIELD, IL] - In an effort to expedite the process that he hopes will identify the Springfield rail consolidation alternative that best promotes public safety, enhances the quality of life of residents, and boosts the local economy, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) brought together key federal, state, and local stakeholders today. Durbin opened the meeting by stating his goals for the day: to clear up confusion about cost estimates in Hanson Engineering's Springfield Rail Corridor … Continue Reading
July 07, 2011
Durbin and Kirk Announce $50 Million in DOT Funding for O'Hare Runway Construction
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $50 million grant to Chicago O'Hare International Airport for runway construction. This announcement comes after the $1.17 billion agreement in March of this year between the City of Chicago and American and United Airlines that allowed the O'Hare Modernization Program to move forward. "The O'Hare Modernization Program is a project of national … Continue Reading
June 30, 2011
Durbin Commends Introduction of Bill to Protect Taxpayer Investment in House
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin today commended Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and others for introducing companion legislation to Durbin's Protecting Taxpayers in Transportation Asset Transfers Act. Both bills aim to protect taxpayer investment and require increased transparency and public involvement before local and state governments can lease or sell major transportation projects such as roads, airports and other facilities. "The strong support that has been … Continue Reading
June 23, 2011
Durbin: All Parties Must Work Together in Springfield Rail Effort
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Citing a successful meeting that resulted in an agreement between major stakeholders in the Springfield rail consolidation effort, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today proposed a second meeting to clear up recent confusion about cost estimates and bring all parties back on the same page. Durbin also announced that he would be extending invitations to other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to discuss federal financing options and challenges. "I am … Continue Reading
June 22, 2011
Durbin Statement on Agreement that Will Allow FRA to Obligate $133 Million in Funds for Englewood Flyover
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released a statement after Norfolk Southern (NS), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Amtrak reached an development agreement will bring Federal Railroad Administration one step closer to obligating $133 million in funding for the Englewood Flyover. This agreement will move the project forward and help prevent any future attempts by House Republicans to rescind this funding that was appropriated through the Recovery … Continue Reading
June 17, 2011
Durbin Introduces Legislation to Protect Taxpayer Investment
[CHICAGO, IL] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced legislation on Thursday that would protect taxpayer investment in major infrastructure projects when local and state governments privatize roads, airports and other transportation facilities. The Protecting Taxpayers in Transportation Asset Transfers Act would also require increased transparency and public involvement before major transportation projects can be leased or sold. "The federal government provides states and local … Continue Reading
June 10, 2011
Durbin Commends United Airlines for Pledging to Bring 1,300 Jobs to Illinois
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today responded to United Continental Holding's decision to bring 1,300 jobs to Chicago by the end of next year. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the decision to bring the mostly technology and operations-focused jobs to the city earlier today alongside United CEO Jeff Smisek. "Today's decision shows United's commitment to our great city and reinforces Chicago's position as a premier American transportation hub," said Durbin. "These … Continue Reading
May 17, 2011
Durbin Joins Four Other Senators in Asking for Investigation into Gasoline Price-Fixing
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - As the average gas price remains above $4.00 per gallon in Illinois and climbing to nearly $5.00 per gallon in some parts of the state, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined four other Senators in asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate potential price fixing of gasoline by U.S. refiners. Later today, the Senate will vote on a bill that would eliminate tax breaks and subsidies for big oil companies and divert the $21 billion in savings over the … Continue Reading
May 09, 2011
Durbin, Kirk, Quinn Announce $268 Million for High Speed Rail Cars in Illinois
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) were joined by Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn in announcing that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $268 million in high speed rail funding to Illinois for the purchase of 48 new passenger rail cars and 7 locomotives that will be equipped to travel at high speeds. Today's funding comes from the $2 billion that was rejected by the governor of Florida earlier this year. It is in addition to the … Continue Reading
May 04, 2011
Durbin, Kirk, Quinn Announce $186 Million for Chicago to St. Louis High Speed Rail
[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 … Continue Reading