Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition

Rep. Phil Hare Secures Quad Cities Track Improvement Earmark in FY 2009 Appropriations Bill
Congressman Phil Hare	Congressman Phil Hare secured a $475,000 earmark in the Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Bill, which passed the U.S. House on February 25, 2009, to begin the necessary track improvements to restore Quad Cities passenger rail service. This funding would be directed to the Illinois Department of Transportation to begin work on the Chicago to Quad Cities track connection. In order for this funding to become a reality, the Appropriations Bill with the earmark must pass the U.S. Senate and be signed by President Barack Obama. While this has been a long-time community priority, this earmark would be the first ever state or federal funding received for Quad Cities rail service in the 31 years of advocacy efforts. This marks a major milestone and demonstrates how Quad Cities Amtrak service can become a reality in the near future. The plan for Chicago to Quad Cities Amtrak service will require an additional $22 million in track improvements. QC Rail is optimistic that IL DOT will receive the additional funding through the recently passed economic stimulus package or an Illinois Capital Bill.

Rep. Phil Hare Secures Quad Cities Track Improvement Earmark in FY 2009 Appropriations Bill

Congressman Phil Hare

Congressman Phil Hare secured a $475,000 earmark in the Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Bill, which passed the U.S. House on February 25, 2009, to begin the necessary track improvements to restore Quad Cities passenger rail service. This funding would be directed to the Illinois Department of Transportation to begin work on the Chicago to Quad Cities track connection. In order for this funding to become a reality, the Appropriations Bill with the earmark must pass the U.S. Senate and be signed by President Barack Obama.

While this has been a long-time community priority, this earmark would be the first ever state or federal funding received for Quad Cities rail service in the 31 years of advocacy efforts. This marks a major milestone and demonstrates how Quad Cities Amtrak service can become a reality in the near future.

The plan for Chicago to Quad Cities Amtrak service will require an additional $22 million in track improvements. QC Rail is optimistic that IL DOT will receive the additional funding through the recently passed economic stimulus package or an Illinois Capital Bill.