High-Speed Rail Moving Forward in Illinois

Statement of Richard Harnish, executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association (MHSRA), in response to IL Senate Resolution 0616, which urged Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Gov. Bruce Rauner to immediately have their existing consultants prepare an investment grade ridership analysis for a high-speed rail project. The resolution passed on May 31.

“The Illinois Senate passed a resolution calling on IDOT to prepare an investment grade ridership analysis for a high-speed project. This is an important step to bringing 220 mph trains to Illinois.”

“The resolution, which was sponsored by Senators James Clayborne, Jr., Michael Hastings, Napoleon Harris, III, and Toi Hutchinson, could pave the way for a study capable of attracting federal or private investment. A detailed ridership and cost analysis is needed to make transportation project capable of attracting outside funding.”

“In the resolution, the Illinois Senate also urged Congress to invest $2.5 billion in high-speed rail.”