Executive order hits Chicago-Rockford rail plan
Written by Douglas John Bowen
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed an executive order Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, putting major state construction projects on hold, apparently including improved passenger rail service between Chicago and St. Louis.
The move bars agencies from awarding contracts without the administration’s approval, freezing plans by the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement Amtrak service between Chicago and Rockford over Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way.
Rauner’s executive order also prohibits state agencies from entering into and awarding state contracts and grants until July 1.
Illinois already has spent $3 million on engineering items related to the rail line prior to the freeze, an IDOT spokesman said. Local media reported that Huntley, Ill., local officals had committed $50,000 to engineering study as well to establish a rail station for the municipality.
Rauner’s decision also counter efforts by his predecessor, Gov. Pat Quinn, to expedite service to Huntley and other northwest Illinois communities. Last April Quinn identified $60 million for re-establishing Amtrak service linking Chicago and Rockford, Ill., with service targeted to begin late this year.
