Springfield rail study to be rolled into larger study of Chicago-St. Louis corridor

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) brought together federal, state and local stakeholders 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. Durbin declared that the consolidation would be rolled into the larger St. Louis-Chicago corridor study that is expected to be complete next year. "We have made some progress in moving what I think is an excellent study to the point where it can be part of the active conversation about what options lie ahead," said Sen. Durbin. In the meeting, Durbin wanted to clear up confusion about cost estimates in Hanson Engineering's Springfield Rail Corridor study and discuss next steps; to move the environmental review process forward; to give the public better access to local studies and reviews when complete; to outline the financial challenges facing any rail consolidation project in Springfield and to increase public participation to help the community choose the best rail consolidation alternative available. The meeting included representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Illinois U.S. Reps. Aaron Schock (R-IL-18) Bobby Schilling (R-IL-17) and John Shimkus (R-IL-19), as well as officials from the City of Springfield, Sangamon County, the FRA, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Hanson Engineering, Amtrak, Illinois & Midland Railroad, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. On July 7, U.S. House Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica released details of a transportation bill that would cut transportation spending by 30 percent and completely eliminate the Rail Relocation program at the FRA, which is the only competitive grant program the FRA has to help communities with freight consolidation projects. In order for any of the Springfield rail consolidation alternatives to be eligible for federal funding, specific guidelines set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act must be followed. The FRA indicated that they would consider and review the completed study conducted by Hanson Engineering. The environmental impact statement will examine all reasonable alternatives for the rail consolidation project, including alternatives in addition to those considered by the Hansen study.