Durbin Discusses Springfield Rail Improvement Project with Federal Railroad Administrator
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke with Ron Batory, the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), to discuss the recent $10 million grant award to the City of Springfield, Illinois, for the Springfield Rail Improvement Project. Durbin thanked Administrator Batory for his support of the project.
“The Springfield Rail Improvement Project will improve rail speed and service reliability and keep passengers, drivers, and pedestrians safe. It also creates good paying jobs for the people of Springfield,” said Durbin. “I’m grateful for Administrator Batory’s support of this federal investment that will improve the daily lives of Illinoisans and strengthen our rail infrastructure for the future.”
The FRA awarded a $10 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant for the next phase of the Springfield Rail Improvement Project last month. This funding will help fund the replacement of two existing rail bridges at the South Grand Avenue and Cook Street underpasses with double-track bridges as well as close the existing crossing at Jackson Street. Since 2013, Durbin has helped to secure $62 million in federal funding for this project.
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