Quad-Cities passenger rail grant deadline extended

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Federal funding to support the reintroduction of passenger rail between Chicago and the Quad Cities area has been preserved with an extension agreement.

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) confirmed that the Illinois Department of Transportation and Federal Rail Administration (FRA) have agreed on an extension of Sept. 30, 2017, for the state of Illinois to use $177 million in federal funding for a Quad-Cities to Chicago passenger rail project. The funds were awarded as part of a joint $230 million grant to Illinois and Iowa for passenger rail between Chicago and Iowa City. The project was later split into two phases. Phase 1 would develop passenger service along 162 miles between Chicago and Moline; Phase 2 would extend service 58 miles to Iowa City.

The Illinois portion of the project was placed on pause due to the state budget crisis. State government voiced its support of the project earlier this year, prior to the grants original expiration date on June 30, 2016.

“Making investments in our infrastructure creates good-paying jobs and spurs new economic development opportunities, so I am proud that we stopped the state from leaving $177 million in federal funding on the table,” said Rep. Bustos. “I am very pleased that the Illinois Department of Transportation and Federal Rail Administration have agreed to an extension through Sept. 30, 2017, but we still have a lot of work to do to ensure this project gets completed. During these tough economic times, we simply can’t afford to turn down any opportunities to create jobs and get Illinois back on the right track.”

“FRA is encouraged that the state of Illinois has recommitted to restoring passenger rail service between the Quad Cities and Chicago. This would not have happened without the strong partnership FRA has with the Illinois delegation and it would not have happened without Rep. Bustos’ unwavering persistence,” said FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg.

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