CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Key Congress members and local transit officials are getting their wish lists together as President Biden’s American Job’s Plan prepares to fund transportation projects here in the Midwest.
Oregon Congressman Peter Fazio, who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the Midwest’s infrastructure is key to the region’s economy; therefore, freshman Congresswoman Marie Newsman convened a virtual roundtable to discuss priorities.
“For decades, our nation has put modernizing our infrastructure and transportation systems on the back burner, resulting in incomplete infrastructure projects, broken roads, eliminated bus routes, and transportation deserts in far too many communities across the country. With the American Jobs Plan, we have a once-in-a-century capital investment to put our country on the right track to build back our roads and local transportation systems so we can make them more affordable, accessible and reliable than ever before,” said Congresswoman Newman in a statement. “As we move forward with passing this critical legislation, it’s imperative that our transit leaders, local officials and advocates all have a seat at the table so we can ensure Illinois residents receive the high-quality, reliable transit systems and infrastructure they deserve.”
Metra CEO Jim Derwinski told Fazio the bridges over which his trains pass are in great need of repair or replacement.
"It's great to hear you say that bridges only should last 60 years. Four hundred of Metra's 800 bridges are well over a century-year old right now as they sit today," Derwinski said.
Chicago Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi said there’s no lack of priorities in the city, from roads and bridges to lead pipes carrying drinking water.
"This means roads and rails, but it also means bridges and bikeways, traffic signals and sidewalks, and everything in between," she said.
CTA President Dorval Carter said the Red Line extension will be one priority, but Metra city and county officials from the area are meeting to craft wish lists.
"There's been a conversation amongst those of us at the regional level, but also with our representatives to understand what they will be looking for with their districts to support them," Carter said.
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During the virtual roundtable, Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia applauded the money for transportation and infrastructure projects slated to come to Chicago, though how much isn’t decided yet.
"I was thrilled to see transit agencies like the CTA receive the resources that they need. It took a lot of effort, but it was well worth the fight," he said.
Congresswoman Newman said the public will be involved too.
"This is going to bring all forms of transportation together and get people back on transit," Newman said.
Officials hope to have a list before the end of the month.
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