Delgado Responds to New Federal Investment in Passenger Rail

CHICAGO – State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, lauded new federal investment in Chicago-area infrastructure, highlighting a new era in transit-oriented development. 

“Investing in a multi-modal, interconnected public transit network is an investment in our state’s future, and this focus is gaining earned recognition,” Delgado said. “I am thankful for Governor Pritzker, President Biden and our many federal and state partners who share this dedication. This $95 million will not only improve efficiency in our state’s largest transit terminal but encourage more aggressive development across the Midwest. People want to take the train, we should continue to encourage that.” 

The Federal Railroad Administration announced that nearly $94 million had been awarded to various Chicago Hub Improvement projects to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities, improve ridership capacities and do more to support the thousands of riders who utilize Union Station everyday. Nearly $1.5 million is dedicated for a cost and efficiency study for three routes stemming from the station: to St. Louis, to Carbondale, and to the Quad Cities. 

“I have made it my priority to support those who choose to take the train, ride a bus and utilize our first class public transit infrastructure, and it’s about time that we grow our efforts and attract the investment that will make our passenger rail projects a reality,” Delgado said. 

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