Illinois is getting less than the $4.5 billion it requested from the federal government for high speed rail projects.
The Obama Administration is awarding Illinois $1.2 billion to make way for high speed rail. Democratic Congressman Dan Lipinski of Illinois’ 3rd District sits on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
LIPINSKI: Some have said that this is a disappointment. This meets my expectation, perhaps beats my expectation because we’re looking at $8 billion being spread across the entire country.
The state’s share of the federal money is one of the highest amounts given. $1.1 billion will be used to make improvements along the route between Dwight and Alton, Illinois, near St. Louis. A smaller portion will go to the construction of the Englewood flyover bridge near 63rd street in Chicago. That’s to help clear up rail congestion around the city.
Officials aim to get trains running at 110 miles per hour with 8 daily round trips between Chicago and St. Louis.