- Published: Thursday, May 27, 2021 02:40 PM
SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would create a commission to help make a statewide network of new and existing high-speed passenger rail lines a reality passes the Senate.
“Creating a high-speed rail network would provide a fast, safe and reliable way to travel across the state,” Stadelman said.
The measure would create the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist the state and organizations like the High-Speed Rail Alliance, which produced a plan to create a high-speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis within the next 10 years, coordinate.
“Connecting Rockford to Chicago through rail has always been one of my top priories,” Stadelman said. “Investing in a high-speed rail network would further expand travel opportunities for the residents of Rockford and the rest of the state.”
The commission would also be tasked with producing an annual report for the General Assembly on potential plans for a high-speed rail line between Chicago and St. Louis, with connections to the cities of Rockford, Moline, Peoria and Decatur. The final goal is to modernize and integrate all train systems in Illinois into one connected high-speed rail network.
House Bill 399 passed the Senate and now returns to the House for further consideration.
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