Durbin: Rock River Valley is on the Right Track for Commuter Rail Services

DURBIN: ROCK RIVER VALLEY IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK FOR COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE

[ROCKFORD, IL] -- The results of a federally-funded study announced today support the feasibility of bringing commuter rail to the Rock River Valley, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) said at a news conference in Rockford.

Durbin, a member of the Senate Appropriation bill, secured the $200,000 needed to conduct the study in the fiscal year 2003 Transportation Appropriation bill. The study was conducted by the Northern Illinois Commuter Rail Initiative over the past several months.

Durbin has long been an advocate for commuter rail service that would link the greater Rockford area to northeastern Illinois.

"It takes one drive down I-90 in rush hour to make it clear why the Rock River Valley needs rail service. This is about quality of life for families living in region. Their homes and dreams should not be diminished by congestions and delays," said Durbin.

"Easing gridlock and expanding economic opportunities go hand in hand. The City of Rockford and the surrounding areas are working hard to meet the challenges of a changing economy. Transportation improvements are a crucial element of that evolution," said Durbin.

"I'm hopeful that the positive results of the study will put us in a position to move forward quickly. In the coming months, I intend to work closely with the Northern Illinois Commuter Rail Initiative and fight for funding in Congress as the group determines what resources it needs to make commuter rail in the Rock River Valley a reality," said Durbin.