Durbin Statement Regarding Illinois State Budget Commitment to Expand Amtrak

DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING ILLINOIS STATE BUDGET COMMITMENT TO EXPAND AMTRAK

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the following statement regarding the state's commitment to fund expansion of Amtrak, in last night's passed budget:

"I want to commend the State of Illinois for entering into an historic partnership with Amtrak to ensure the future of passenger rail service in our state. The $24.3 million the State of Illinois included for Amtrak in the Fiscal Year 2007 budget will lay the tracks for new jobs and new service for riders from Chicago to Quincy to Carbondale."

"Last year, Amtrak service in Illinois saw a major increase in ridership. This year, the state recognized the need for expansion and responded by offering to work with Amtrak to increase service to nearly 30 communities. With Amtrak's commitment to cover the cost of providing four new trains, and the state's commitment to cover the cost of operating them, beginning in October Illinois residents will have additional service on all three of Illinois' intrastate routes."

"The State's commitment to more than double it's funding for Amtrak will provide for the first Midwest Amtrak expansion in 20 years. I applaud Governor Blagojevich, the Illinois General Assembly, rail labor, and community leaders throughout the state for their tireless efforts to expand Amtrak Illinois service."

In March, Durbin, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, sent a letter to the Acting President of Amtrak, David Hughes, urging Amtrak to supplement the State of Illinois' commitment by providing the train sets necessary for the expansion of Illinois Amtrak routes.

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=255223&&