Congress Extends Metra Line To Abraham Lincoln National Airport

Following the long overdue passage of H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act, Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., made the following statement: "Passage of the transportation authorization bill provides many important transit projects for the Second District, including the extension of the University Park Metra line to the future Abraham Lincoln National Airport. This extension will provide access to jobs and new opportunities for the surrounding areas, including Chicago's South Side and south suburbs."

Congressman Jackson secured $18 million for road, highway and other transportation enhancement projects in the 2nd Congressional District. Most important among these projects is the extension of the Metra Electric line from the University Park terminus to the future location of the Abraham Lincoln National Airport. This extension is essential to providing access to the new airport and thousands of new jobs.

The final version of this bill authorizes $286.4 billion over six years for highways, public transit, safety and research programs. Having passed the House, the bill will now go on to the Senate for approval, and then to the President for his signature.

In addition to the Metra Line extension, Congressman Jackson was able to include the following earmarks for local projects:

*$9,000,000 to improve roads, railroad grade separation and six bridges near 130th, Torrence and Brainard streets in Chicago near the Ford Assembly plant.

*$3,000,000 for engineer and design work for a new interchange at Interstates 57 and 294.

*$1,300,000 for construction of a pedestrian underpass across South Shore Drive at 67th.

*$1,292,500 for the construction of segments that complete four high priority gaps in the Grand Illinois Trail bicycle paths through Chicago's Southland.

*$2,000,000 for the Museum of Science and Industry's Access Improvement Project.

*$500,000 for the PACE bus rapid transit initiative to improve services and decrease rider travel time in two busy south suburban corridors.

*$907,500 for traffic light improvements in Matteson.

Rep. Jackson also helped to ensure the inclusion of the following transit projects:

*The extension of the Red Line from its current terminus at 95th Street to 130th Street.

*Construction of the new Metra SouthEast Service commuter rail transit line from Chicago to Crete.