Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Transportation and Infrastructure in the 111th Congress
Durbin Statement on GM, Chrysler Decisions to Pursue Arbitration for Closed Dealerships
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today after GM and Chrysler announced they would proceed with the arbitration process Durbin and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) developed to resolve the ongoing dispute between GM, Chrysler and dealerships that were closed during the companies' restructuring. "I'm pleased that both GM and Chrysler have agreed to support the binding arbitration process we developed last year. … Continue Reading
January 28, 2010
Durbin, Quinn Welcome High-Speed Rail Investment in Illinois
CHICAGO, IL, January 28, 2010 - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement with regard to the announcement that Illinois has been awarded more than $1.2 billion in federal funds for high-speed rail: "In the face of fierce competition from states across the nation, Illinois' high-speed rail proposal received a strong vote of confidence from the White House today. Illinois was one of only three states to be awarded more than one … Continue Reading
January 07, 2010
Durbin Announces $2.9 Million For Completion Of Railroad Grade Separations
[GALESBURG, IL] - The city of Galesburg will see traffic flow improvements, enhanced safety for motorists and pedestrians and the potential for new jobs with the help of $2.9 million in federal funding U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) secured to help the City complete three railroad grade separations. Shortly after his April 16, 2009 meeting with Galesburg officials and visit to the BNSF hump tower, Durbin fulfilled his promise to secure the federal funding needed to make the grade separations … Continue Reading
December 17, 2009
Durbin, Illinois Delegation: High Speed Rail Funding Will Have Greatest Impact in Illinois
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - In a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation made the case that the federal funding available for high speed rail would have the greatest impact on Illinois. The Illinois Members wrote: Illinois has spearheaded a regional effort in the Midwest to build an integrated high speed rail network. These Midwest states have already completed careful planning and made … Continue Reading
December 13, 2009
Durbin: Congress Approves More Than $126 Million in Funding For Illinois Projects
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the final Omnibus spending bill which includes $126,432,544 in funding for several Illinois projects was approved by Congress. The bill will then go to the President for his signature. SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS: CHICAGO TRANSIT ($9,304,744): Today's legislation includes over $9.3 million in funding to advance the Circle line project in Chicago; expand capacity along the Chicago Transit Authority … Continue Reading
December 12, 2009
Durbin Statement on US-Japan Open Skies Agreement
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today after U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, announced that the United States and Japan had reached an Open-Skies aviation agreement. "The Open-Skies agreement with Japan will prove to be a huge benefit to U.S. businesses and consumers alike. Expanded air service between Chicago and Japan will give U.S. air travelers greater access to Asian markets, increase choices for … Continue Reading
December 09, 2009
Durbin Statement on Springfield Rail Agreement
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after learning that the Illinois Department of Transportation, the City of Springfield and Sangamon County have come to an agreement on how to move forward with high speed rail in Springfield. "I commend Mayor Davlin, Chairman Van Meter and Secretary Hannig for working tirelessly over the past few months to reach today's agreement. Finding a solution was not easy, but by … Continue Reading
December 09, 2009
Durbin, Hoyer Announce Plan to Resolve Disputes with Terminated Auto Dealers
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) today announced new legislative language to address the ongoing dispute between GM, Chrysler and dealerships that were closed during the companies' restructuring. The Durbin-Hoyer language expands the binding arbitration offer GM and Chrysler presented to dealers last week by requiring the arbitrator to balance the economic interests of the terminated dealership, the … Continue Reading
December 09, 2009
Durbin: Committee Recommends More Than $126 Million in Funding for Illinois Projects
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the final Omnibus Appropriations Act which includes $126,432,544 in funding for several Illinois projects was approved by a joint House and Senate Conference Committee of which Durbin is a member. The House and Senate are expected to take up and pass the legislation before the end of the year. The bill will then go to the President for his signature. SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS: CHICAGO TRANSIT … Continue Reading
December 02, 2009
Durbin Statement on Agreement Between GM and Groups Representing Closed Dealerships
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today applauding an agreement between GM, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) regarding the restructuring of GM's dealer network. Their announcement outlines a comprehensive and transparent review of termination decisions and formal reinstatement process should individual dealerships meet or exceed GM's … Continue Reading
October 22, 2009
Durbin, Costello Announce New Carrier to Provide Air Servie to Downstate Communities
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today announced that two new air carriers will begin providing air service from three downstate Illinois communities to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport before the end of the year. Cape Air was awarded the Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts in Marion/Herrin and Quincy, while Air Choice One will serve Decatur. There will be no interruption in service during the transition to … Continue Reading
October 21, 2009
Durbin Introduces Clean Cruise Ship Act to Protect Oceans, Marine Life and Great Lakes
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced legislation to protect the oceans and marine life by extending the Clean Water Act to appropriately regulate the millions of gallons of wastewater discharged in U.S. waters every day by cruise ships. Durbin's bill, known as the Clean Cruise Ship Act would ban the release of raw, untreated sewage in U.S. waters, including the Great Lakes. Nearly identical legislation was introduced in the House of … Continue Reading
October 14, 2009
Durbin Meets with DeKalb Mayor to Discuss Economic Development and Local Priorities
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Mayor of DeKalb, Kris Povlsen to discuss economic development, transportation issues and other local priorities. [Photo from today's meeting courtesy of Senator Durbin's office is attached (from left to right: Mayor Povlsen and Senator … Continue Reading
October 09, 2009
Durbin Announces More Than $1 Million in DOT Grants for Illinois Scenic Byways
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $1,039,722 in grants to the Illinois Department of Transportation for the National Scenic Byways Program. Under the program, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. There are 126 such designated Byways … Continue Reading
October 05, 2009
Durbin Announces $13.6 Million in Funding for O'Hare Airport Security
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $13,600,000 grant to Chicago O'Hare International Airport for the construction of a new inline baggage handling system designed to enhance efforts to strengthen security at the airport. "Expanding the use of the inline baggage handling technology will strengthen security in Chicago and destinations around the country," said Durbin. … Continue Reading
October 05, 2009
Durbin Announces $13.6 Million in Funding for O’Hare Airport Security
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $13,600,000 grant to Chicago O'Hare International Airport for the construction of a new inline baggage handling system designed to enhance efforts to strengthen security at the airport. "Expanding the use of the inline baggage handling technology will strengthen security in Chicago and destinations around the country," said Durbin. … Continue Reading
September 22, 2009
Durbin Meets with Peoria Mayor to Discuss High Speed Rail and Local Priorities
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Mayor of Peoria, Jim Ardis to discuss high speed rail and other local … Continue Reading
September 21, 2009
Durbin Announces $6.58 Million in DOT Grants for Illinois Transit
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that several Illinois transit projects have been funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Today's funding is part of the Department of Transportation's announcement of $100 million in Recovery Act funding for 40 transit agencies across the country that are pursuing cutting edge environmental technologies to help reduce global warming, lessen America's dependence on oil and create green … Continue Reading
September 17, 2009
Durbin: Legislation Allowing FRA to Assist IDOT in 10th Street Feasibility Study Passed by Senate
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the approval of his amendment allowing the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to provide technical and financial assistance to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and local officials for a feasibility study of the Tenth Street corridor as a route for consolidated freight and passenger rail operations in Springfield, Illinois. The amendment was added to the 2010 Transportation, Housing and … Continue Reading
September 17, 2009
Durbin: Senate Approves Over $27 Million in Transportation and Economic Development Funding for Illinois
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Senate has approved $27,004,744 in federal funding for Illinois transportation and economic development projects. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 appropriations bill for the Department of Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations includes funding for the following projects: Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration: • CTA Circle … Continue Reading