Durbin Fights for Illinois Rail Projects

News Article

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, asked a Senate committee last week to increase funding for Illinois rail and multimodal projects, including the Federal Freight Program and the Projects of Regional and National Significant grant program.

"Illinois -- as the road, rail and aviation hub of the country -- is in dire need of funding to upgrade our aging transportation network," Durbin wrote. "The next reauthorization can help make a significant dent in our infrastructure deficit if we increase investments in transportation. "

Durbin also asked the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to stabilize the Highway Trust Fund in its bill to reauthorize the Surface Transportation Act. The trust fund is expected to dip below $4 billion this summer.

Source