Rep. Al Riley with Country Club Hills Mayor Dwight Welch.

Colin Powell Middle School
Matteson, Illinois
June 16, 2007

The first panel discussed current planning activities from CTA, PACE and Metra.  RTA provided a “Moving Beyond Congestion" update.  RTA did not provide any discussion on the New Starts process.   IDOT discussed inter-modal activities and current township services.

The second panel provided brief discussions on the status of current projects.  Transportation initiatives for the Chicago Southland were discussed: 

• Representative Bob Rita discussed the status of the 57/294 tollway interchange.  Rep. Rita was instrumental in securing $16 million in the FY2008 budget for phase II of the project in order to keep the project moving forward.
• Representative Constance Howard asked about the status of the Red Line expansion in the Chicago Southland.  This project was first announced nearly 40 years. 
• Metra South East Service Line extension:  Metra testified during the hearing, they are 100% fully committed to this expansion.  This project has been in the planning phase for 12 years.  Congressman Jackson’s written testimony stated, “The time is over to wait”.
• South Suburban Airport.  IDOT states, they are still acquiring land.  The Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission has investors waiting to spend $300 million to open the airport by 2009.

The third panel discussed the importance of transportation investments in the Chicago Southland.

The forth panel discussed the importance of linking transportation and economic development.