Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) announced today that local commuters could benefit from at least two area projects that would receive federal finds under recently-passed legislation.  The bill, H.R. 3288, providing fiscal year 2010 appropriations for the Department of Transportation (DOT), included a total of $1.5 million requested by Biggert for a Metra Station in Tinley Park and freight-related traffic relief along Ogden Avenue in Aurora, Illinois.  The bill passed the House on Thursday evening and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
 
           “These important investments will create local jobs and help keep our area’s road and transit systems working for commuters,” said Biggert.  “I’m very grateful to my House colleagues for recognizing the rapidly growing transportation needs of communities and centers of commerce in our suburban area.”
 
           Under the House bill, $500,000 would be allocated to the Village of Tinley Park for the ongoing 80th Avenue Metra Station Development.  The Village and Metra are working together to construct a new building, warming shelters, and a pedestrian underpass to accommodate increasing ridership.  The 80th Avenue Metra facility is currently the second busiest commuter train location within the Metra system and has a daily ridership of over 3000 commuters. 
 
           “This development will vastly improve efficiency, safety, and access for daily commuters at one of the busiest locations along the line,” said Biggert.  “And it will provide a more convenient public transportation option for motorists looking for a clean, affordable alternative to the morning rush.”
 
           In addition, Biggert secured $1,000,000 for the engineering and design of a much-needed grade separation at IL Route 34 (Ogden Avenue) in Aurora along the EJ&E tracks recently acquired by the Canadian National Railway Company (CN).  As a result of an expected four-fold increase in fright traffic associated with the acquisition, the City of Aurora faces severe congestion and safety complications where the tracks interrupt east-west automobile traffic.  Under federal requirements, CN must contribute 67% of the cost of the project, however matching public funds are needed to leverage those dollars.
 
           “This rail acquisition has imposed an immensely unfair burden on local motorists and taxpayers alike,” said Biggert.  “This project will help to mitigate that impact and keep traffic flowing along one of our most important regional arteries.”

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