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As part of a $1 billion construction program, Amtrak is spending $115 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to improve tracks, buildings and control systems in Chicago.

Under way and slated for completion in February 2011, the projects include work at Chicago’s Union Station and a new control center. Amtrak previously awarded a $106.2 million contract to Jacobs Inc. and subcontractors Kiewit Western Co. and Swanson Contracting to replace or renew five miles of track; renovate or repair buildings used to inspect and maintain trains at Union Station; and replace or upgrade water, air, lighting, natural gas and heated track switching systems.

The railroad also plans to spend $9 million to construct the control center, which will manage and dispatch Amtrak and other trains in four geographically separate areas. Center operations involve interconnections with territories owned by Metra, BNSF Railway Co., CN and Norfolk Southern Railway. Pepper Construction Co. is building the center, which will help Amtrak better manage daily train operations, according to the railroad.