FTA 18-03
Contact: Kristi Clemens
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
Thursday, May 8, 2003
Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $51 Million To
Metra in Chicago, IL
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.”
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