09.08.22

Durbin Meets With Springfield Community Leaders

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a resident of Springfield, Illinois, today met with Springfield community leaders, including Mayor Jim Langfelder, to discuss the city’s upcoming infrastructure projects. During their meeting, Durbin received an update about the Springfield Rail Improvement Project (SRIP), which will alleviate rail congestion in the city by building new underpasses and overpasses at critical rail crossings, and the construction of the Springfield-Sangamon County Transportation Center. Durbin has actively supported the project since its inception in 2014 by securing more than $80 million in federal funding for its development.

“Springfield, in the heart of Illinois, has been my home for decades. I was glad to host my hometown’s community leaders, including Mayor Langfelder, for a discussion about the future of Springfield’s transportation infrastructure,” said Durbin. “Springfield has exciting developments in the works through the Springfield Rail Improvement Project and the new transportation center for Sangamon County. I’ll continue to be a strong federal partner in securing the funding to make these plans a reality.”

Photos of the meeting are available here.

Last month, Springfield received a $19.8 million RAISE grant, which Durbin secured, to assist in the construction of a new grade separation underpass over the Norfolk Southern and Illinois Midland rail lines.

-30-