Illinois lawmakers pass resolution championing high-speed rail

The Illinois Senate late last week passed a resolution urging the Illinois Department of Transportation and Gov. Bruce Rauner to immediately work with their consultants to draft an investment grade ridership analysis for a high-speed rail project in the state.

A previously-completed IDOT study completed by the University of Illinois found that a high-speed rail line running through Champaign and Springfield, Ill., "would generate an operating surplus that would require no annual subsidy," according to the resolution. The rail line would also run to St. Louis, Mo., and Indianapolis.

"The resolution … could pave the way for a study capable of attracting federal or private investment," said Richard Harnish, executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association, in a statement.

The resolution was sponsored by Illinois Sens. James Clayborne (D-Belleville), Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park), Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) and Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights).

The Illinois Senate also urged Congress to invest $2.5 billion in high-speed rail projects across the country.