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A regional intergovernmental planning council is backing the first segment of Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp.’s (Metra) Suburban Transit Access Route (STAR) line.



The Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) supports the STAR line, which would run from Hoffman Estates, Ill., to O’Hare International Airport.



With members from 44 municipalities and five townships, NWMC helps promote regional planning programs between local governments. NWMC’s support will help pave the way to improve suburban transportation, Metra officials believe.



The 55-mile, $1.1 billion STAR line would extend commuter-rail service to almost 100 Chicago-area communities.



"Now, it is time to begin the real work that will make this happen," said Metra Executive Director Phil Pagano in a prepared statement. "We will begin work immediately to coordinate our efforts with business and community organizations."