One of a Series; Forum Discusses Issues Vital to Area Businesses
One of a Series; Forum Discusses Issues Vital to Area Businesses
At a critical last stage of the federal transportation
funding debate, northeastern Illinois’ business leaders are demanding that
transit improvements move forward. At a breakfast in Deerfield featuring U.S.
Rep. Mark Kirk (R-10th District), area business leaders rallied for increased
funds over the most recent modest numbers put forward in the U.S. House.
Speakers at the forum hosted by Business Leaders for Transportation also
strategized on how to move forward with a successor to Illinois FIRST
, the state
investment package that expires in June.
"Updating our
transportation infrastructure is essential to reducing highway gridlock and
improving our environment," said Rep. Kirk. "We have complete bipartisan unity
among Illinois legislators in pursuing funding for essential transportation
projects in Illinois, including the creation of Metra's Star Line, and improving
our freight rail service. There is a real opportunity to make sure Illinois gets
its fair share of federal transportation funding in the reauthorization of
TEA-21."
Over the course of the last federal transportation
bill, Illinois received federal grants for five transit improvements, more than
any other state, thanks to local matching funds provided by Illinois FIRST. In
the next round, Illinois is seeking federal monies for an additional 10 transit
projects — including Metra’s proposed STAR line and upgrades to its Northwest
Line —
which makes it critical to have
a state investment package in place. Business Leaders for Transportation is
advocating for both an improved commitment for Illinois freight, transit, and
road investments at the federal level, and a state package that defines
investment criteria and coordinates transportation decisions with land-use
priorities.
“The picture is not rosy for transportation dollars
coming from Washington, D.C.,” said William Baltutis, executive director of the
Lake-Cook Transportation Management Association and moderator of the event.
“Today’s event was an
important
forum for businesses to arm Rep. Kirk with their stories, so
he can help northeastern Illinois push for a better
bill.”
“We have facilities in Lake Forest and Franklin
Park, and we’d really like to see expanded transit options for our employees,”
said Kristin Coleman, associate general counsel for Brunswick Corporation, a
manufacturer. “It would be a pity not to make the improvements that everyone has
been counting on.”
MarySue Barrett, president of Metropolitan Planning
Council, which co-leads Business Leaders for Transportation with Chicago
Metropolis 2020 and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, outlined the
coalition’s recommendations for TEA-3. “Business Leaders for Transportation
feels strongly that the federal government needs to return to a needs-based
funding formula, and provide the necessary resources for a better connected,
intermodal system for northeastern Illinois. An informed and active business
community is key to ensuring that Illinois’ transportation needs are
met.”
This spring, Business Leaders for Transportation is
hosting a series of the forums around the region, including one on April 15,
2004 with Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-5th District). The series is sponsored by
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, and Monday’s forum is co-hosted by the
Buffalo Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Lincolnshire Chamber of
Commerce, Lake County Partners, and Lake-Cook TMA.
The forums follow a series in late 2003 that brought
together six congressmen and local leaders with more than 500 concerned
constituents.
Visit www.businessleadersfortransportation.org
for
more information as events are scheduled.
Business Leaders for Transportation, a
coalition of nearly 180 members representing more than 12,000 regional
employers, provides a collective voice for Chicago-area businesses on surface
transportation issues. Of central importance to the coalition is increased state
and federal transportation funding for northeastern Illinois, supported by
coordinated planning to achieve the most efficient and desirable return on
transportation system investments.
For more information, contact Karyn Romano
at
312.863.6005.