(The Department of Transportatin issued the following news release on May 8.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is providing more than $51 million in funding to Metra for three public transportation projects.
“The grants awarded today represent the Bush Administration’s commitment to transportation as a strategic investment that strengthens the economy, protects the environment and maximizes the freedom of mobility for all Americans,” said Secretary Mineta.
The FTA will provide $51,146,285 to fund the following projects:
— $24,266,285 for continuation of the North Central Service Expansion Project. This project will increase existing commuter rail service on the North Central Line between Antioch and Chicago from ten trains per weekday with no mid-day service to twenty-two trains per weekday with mid-day services.
— $22,240,000 for the Southwest Service Expansion & Extension Project. This project will extend the 39-mile Southwest Service Line, which currently provides service between downtown Chicago and Orland Park, eleven miles southwest to Manhattan, IL. Funds will also be used for capital improvements including track and structure upgrade, a new signal control system, double-track extensions, expansion of an existing coach yard, enlarged passenger facilities at existing stations, commuter parking expansions and two new stations.
— $4,640,000 for capital improvements to the Union Pacific West Line Extension Project. This project will extend the existing 36-mile Union Pacific West Line, which currently provides service between downtown Chicago and Geneva, eight miles west to Elburn, with two new stations at Elburn and LaFox.
FTA Administrator Jennifer Dorn stated, “The FTA is pleased to partner with Metra to provide common sense transit solutions to residents throughout the Chicago area. The projects funded with these grants will allow even more people to experience the many benefits of public transportation, including a healthier economy, increased community mobility, reduced congestion, energy conservation, and protection of the environment.”