One of a Series; Discusses Transportation Issues Vital to Area Businesses
At a critical last stage of the federal
transportation bill, and facing proposed funding levels far short of the need,
northeastern Illinois’ business leaders are demanding that transit improvements
move forward. At a breakfast at DePaul University in Chicago featuring U.S. Rep.
Rahm Emanuel (D-5th District), area business leaders rallied for increased funds
over the most recent modest numbers put forward in the U.S. House. The event,
second in a 2004 series, rallied support for improvements to Illinois’
transportation network to make it more efficient, especially for commuters and
their employers.
"As the nation's
transportation hub, the Chicago area must have an efficient rail, air, and
highway system, said Rep. Emanuel. “Our economy depends on it.
It's vital that Chicagoland's businesses
continue to play an active role in articulating their transportation needs today
to ensure we meet the needs of the region in the future."
Over the course of the last federal transportation
bill, Illinois received federal grants for five transit improvements, more than
any other state. In the next round, Illinois is seeking federal monies for an
additional 10 transit projects — including extension of the Chicago Transit
Authority Yellow Line to Old Orchard mall, and Red Line south to 130th Street
—
which also makes it critical to have
a state investment package in place to provide matching funds. 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.
"Today's forum drew attention to issues that will affect
our jobs and our lives for generations," said event moderator Joseph
Schwieterman, director of the
Chaddick Institute at
DePaul University. “ Not all business owners in Chicago appreciate how an efficient
transit system can save
employees time and money. Rising traffic congestion and a
changing
labor market
are encouraging many to reassess their options.”
"The CREATE program is
a collaborative effort between the City, State, and railroads that will
improve the efficient movement of people and goods," said Commissioner Miguel
d'Escoto, commissioner, Chicago Department
of
Transportation. "The CREATE partners
are working closely with our partners in Congress to secure funding for this
historic program."
MarySue Barrett, president of the 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
strongly believes 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 forums around the region, including one on May 11 with Rep.
Luis Gutierrez (D-4th District). The series is sponsored by Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Railway. Additional support for today’s breakfast at DePaul
University’s Cortelyou Commons in Chicago was provided by DePaul, the Lincoln
Park Chamber of Commerce, Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce, and West Cook
Community Development Corporation. The forums follow a series in late 2003 that
brought together six congressmen and local leaders with more than 500 concerned
constituents.
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.