MetroLink Light Rail

MetroLink Light Rail has been a huge success for Illinois and the entire St. Louis region. I chaired the Committee that made the decision to move forward and construct light rail. Phase One came in under budget and on schedule at a cost of approximately $300 million, running from Lambert International Airport to East St. Louis. In May of 2001, the expansion from East St. Louis to Southwestern Illinois College opened, covering over 17 miles in St. Clair County and spurring other economic development projects. In June of 2003, the Shiloh/Scott station opened at Scott Air Force Base, making Scott one of the few bases in the nation that provides light rail transportation to its personnel. A final leg to MidAmerica Airport is being planned.

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