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Chicago Forum Highlights High-Speed Rail
Lawmakers and government officials say they see eye to eye when it comes to high-speed rail.

While government officials are on the same page as Illinois lawmakers, what's still uncertain is whether Illinois and surrounding states will get any of the $8 billion up for grabs from the federal government.

What is known is the economic impact not only on the region, but on the entire nation, should the federal government fund plans for a Midwest high speed rail network with Chicago as the hub, a federal official says.

Joseph C. Szabo, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, says for every dollar invested in rail infrastructure, $3 is returned in economic output in job creation.

Szabo says Illinois is well poised for the federal funds. The state already has 44 freight railroad companies operating in the state, employing about 12,500.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has been one of the key players behind bringing federal rail dollars to Illinois . He also believes Illinois is in a good position to receive funding.

(Illinois Radio Network)
01 16 10 by Newsroom
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