Moving New Chicago-Rockford Amtrak Service Forward Still a High Priority

Statement of Richard Harnish, executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association (MHSRA), in response to recent rumors that the new Chicago-Rockford Amtrak service will not move forward.

“Bringing Amtrak to Rockford is a high priority. This project can – and should – still move forward. Rumors that the project won’t be continued are an impediment to making this long sought after service a reality.”

“Project supporters, like Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey and State Senator Steve Stadelman, are still working hard to make sure the project moves forward – and so are we.”

“The proposed Amtrak service would bring high-quality transportation to a region starved of train travel. It would pave the way for commuter trains – integrating Rockford into Chicago’s economy – and would improve Northwest Illinois’ position as a manufacturing and logistics hub.”

“This new connection would give Rockford greater access to jobs and is already driving downtown development. Stopping the project could undermine recent gains the region has made in improving employment and increasing economic growth.

“The line is so critical to Rockford’s economy that a standing-room only crowd packed into an auditorium on weekday afternoon to show their support at a recent hearing for the project. People in Northwest Illinois have shown they want the train, and we urge Governor Rauner to bring it to them as quickly as he can.”