Congressmembers host infrastructure meeting

Members of Chicago’s Congressional delegation met with commissioners from various transportation departments within Chicago to discuss what infrastructure needs should have priority on Thursday.

Democratic Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin joined U.S. Reps. Sean Casten, Chuy Garcia, Robin Kelly, and Brad Schneider as they met with Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee, Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi, and Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter to discuss funding for the CTA Red and Purple Modernization Project, the CTA Red Line Extension Project, and ongoing improvements at O’Hare International Airport, as well as ways to address climate change’s impact on Chicago’s lakeshore.

“Transportation infrastructure has long served as the foundation of our communities and a cornerstone for our economic prosperity,” Duckworth said. “Modernizing our roadways, bridges, airports, and transit systems is critical to the future vitality of the City of Chicago and the region. It was a pleasure to meet with Commissioner Biagi, Commissioner Rhee, and President Carter on their shared multi-modal vision for the future of transportation in Chicago, and I’ll keep working with Senator Durbin and the Illinois delegation to secure additional support at the federal level for these critical projects.”

In 2018, Durbin and Duckworth announced the authorization of nearly $1.5 million in funding to go toward an extension of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line, which is expected to connect the Dan Ryan Terminal on 95th Street to 130th Street.

Additionally, Durbin worked to find funding in the 2018 Water Resources and Development Act for the Great Lakes Resiliency Study, which will create a comprehensive plan to manage and protect the coastline of the Great Lakes, over 5,000 miles of shoreline, as well $185 million for the Chicago Shoreline Project to build structures to protect Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago Shoreline.

“Investing in Chicago’s infrastructure helps create jobs and improve one of the world’s finest cities. I’m pleased with the progress being made to upgrade and expand the CTA, and will continue to look for ways the federal government can assist the city,” Durbin said.

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