Trending...
- Rep. Gina H. Curry and Dr. Conan Tu Inspire at Kopp Foundation for Diabetes Hybrid Fundraising Gala and National Leadership Forum
- Mullins McLeod Surges Into SC Governor's Race with $1.4 Million Raised in First Quarter; Most from His Own Commitment, Not Political Pockets
- RNHA FL Unveils Bold New Leadership Ahead of 2026 Elections
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot spearheaded a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Federal Railroad Administration administrator Amit Bose to support Amtrak's proposed $850 million Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP). The letter garnered the support of 56 Mayors, highlighting the urgent and collective need for infrastructure improvements. If successful, Amtrak would use funds from a federal Mega Grant to improve Chicago Union Station, create more routes into the city, and open a variety of new service options.
"I am proud to join dozens of regional mayors in support of this transformative project for transportation in the Midwest," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "This investment in improved train services will give Chicago residents and visitors convenient, safe, and modernized travel options while reducing our carbon footprint. It will also lay the foundation for a more equitable transportation network, giving Illinois residents from all walks of life access to the amenities and opportunities found in our great city and region."
More on illi News
CHIP would create a new way for passenger trains to access Union Station from the south. Benefits include significantly improving on-time performance for both Amtrak and Metra trains and providing capacity for new routes and increased frequencies. In addition, CHIP would provide faster connections between the region's largest job hubs and modernize Union Station to improve passenger flow and station ventilation. CHIP would also lay foundations for future improvements, such as direct access to intercity trains at O'Hare and McCormick Place.
"It's no surprise that mayors from so many other cities support investment in better rail infrastructure in Chicago, because our city serves as the hub for most of North America," said Rick Harnish, executive director of the Chicago-based High Speed Rail Alliance. "Our region has wonderful colleges, thriving towns and cities, innovative businesses, and great people. The missing link is a network of fast, safe, and affordable trains connecting them. CHIP would provide a first, foundational step toward implementing this vision."
More on illi News
Mayors from many other cities in Illinois signed the letter — so did mayors in neighboring states such as Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, and Ohio.
The letter builds on support expressed at a July press conference at Chicago Union Station. Then, a coalition of local leaders gathered to advocate for the project, including Mayor Lightfoot; Senator Durbin; Senator Duckworth; Rep. Garcia; Secretary Omer Osman of the Illinois Department of Transportation; Chicago Metra's CEO Jim Lewinski; Jennifer Killen, the head of Cook County's Department of Transportation and Highways; and Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.
A decision on the CHIP application is expected before the end of the year. For more information about CHIP (formerly known as Chicago Access), please see the resources provided by Joe Schacter, Amtrak Senior Manager for State Corridors.
"I am proud to join dozens of regional mayors in support of this transformative project for transportation in the Midwest," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "This investment in improved train services will give Chicago residents and visitors convenient, safe, and modernized travel options while reducing our carbon footprint. It will also lay the foundation for a more equitable transportation network, giving Illinois residents from all walks of life access to the amenities and opportunities found in our great city and region."
More on illi News
- Bookmakers Review Launches Betting Insights on NBC's "The Voice: Battle of Champions"
- Coming Up this Weekend on CNBC Mike Milligan Joins Tom Hegna on "Financial Freedom with Tom Hegna"
- Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, BACP Announces Request For Proposals For Driver Resource Center
- Mayor Brandon Johnson, Department of Streets and Sanitation, And Chicago Public Library Expand Food Scrap Drop-Off Program To 13 New Library Locations
- Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces the Return Of "Chicago Fall Fest" From Oct. 17-Nov. 2, Featuring Hundreds Of City-Supported Events For Youth and All Residents
CHIP would create a new way for passenger trains to access Union Station from the south. Benefits include significantly improving on-time performance for both Amtrak and Metra trains and providing capacity for new routes and increased frequencies. In addition, CHIP would provide faster connections between the region's largest job hubs and modernize Union Station to improve passenger flow and station ventilation. CHIP would also lay foundations for future improvements, such as direct access to intercity trains at O'Hare and McCormick Place.
"It's no surprise that mayors from so many other cities support investment in better rail infrastructure in Chicago, because our city serves as the hub for most of North America," said Rick Harnish, executive director of the Chicago-based High Speed Rail Alliance. "Our region has wonderful colleges, thriving towns and cities, innovative businesses, and great people. The missing link is a network of fast, safe, and affordable trains connecting them. CHIP would provide a first, foundational step toward implementing this vision."
More on illi News
- Predatory Refinancing: How Homeowners Fall Into the Equity Trap Without Realizing It
- UK Website Launches "Toy Time Machine" — Find Your Childhood Christmas Toy in One Click
- Stay Safe in Style: The DR. ORGANIZER Personal Purse Alarm Delivers Powerful Protection in a Compact Design
- The Tiny Kitchen Tool That Solves a Big Cooking Headache
- Why Every Dog Deserves a Milo's Choice Towel
Mayors from many other cities in Illinois signed the letter — so did mayors in neighboring states such as Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, and Ohio.
The letter builds on support expressed at a July press conference at Chicago Union Station. Then, a coalition of local leaders gathered to advocate for the project, including Mayor Lightfoot; Senator Durbin; Senator Duckworth; Rep. Garcia; Secretary Omer Osman of the Illinois Department of Transportation; Chicago Metra's CEO Jim Lewinski; Jennifer Killen, the head of Cook County's Department of Transportation and Highways; and Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.
A decision on the CHIP application is expected before the end of the year. For more information about CHIP (formerly known as Chicago Access), please see the resources provided by Joe Schacter, Amtrak Senior Manager for State Corridors.
0 Comments
Latest on illi News
- BEC Technologies Showcases Leadership in Private Broadband Ecosystem with Inclusion in UTC's Ecosystem Summary Report
- $500,000 in Stock Dividend for Shareholders in 2025 Sweetens The Pot on Success of Becoming Debt Free with No Convertible Notes or Warrants for $IQST
- Getting Your Pond Ready for Winter - Expert Tips from Midwest Pond Features & Landscape
- Aissist.io Launches Hybrid AI Workforce to Solve AI Pilot Failure for Customer Support Automation
- Milwaukee Job Corps Center: Essential Workforce Training—Admissions Now Open
- New Chapter Book Teaches Courage And The Importance Of Friendship Through Fantasy-Driven Adventure
- Christy Sports Makes Snowsports More Accessible for Families to Get Outside Together
- MainConcept Completes Management Buyout to Become Independent Company
- LIB Industry Expands Full-Series Salt Spray Corrosion Test Chambers to Meet Global Testing Standards
- The Easy Way to Collect Every Wedding Photo from Your Guests - No App Needed
- REPRESENTATION REVOLUTION: FLM TV Network Launches as America's First Truly Diverse Broadcast Network
- Naperville Seeks Community Input to Update Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
- MetroWest wellness: Holliston farmhouse spa unveils Centerpoint Studio
- Cancer Survivor Roslyn Franken Marks 30-Year Milestone with Empowering Gift for Women Survivors
- ENERGY33 Successfully Completes Second Engineering & Construction Management Contract for a 27MW STX Cogeneration Power Plant in Honduras
- Florida International University: "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death" Traveling Exhibit Educates Students on Mental Health Abuse
- CCHR: VA's Psychiatric Treatments Betray Veterans, Fuel Suicide and Death
- Integris Composites Named Armor Partner for U.S. Army's XM30 Combat Vehicle
- Jaipur Countryside, 4-Star Comfort: $199 for Two— All-Inclusive with Meals + Transfers at Heritage Hotel Savista
- Probate Shepherd® Announces a New Member Probate Attorney in Fort Worth, TX