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| New Amtrak station means jobs
During the Feb. 17 jobs announcement in Normal, local labor greeted Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson. (left to right) Steve Ditchen & Ross Manuel, Laborers 362, Congresswoman Halvorson, Scott Nimmo, Cement Masons 18, Mike Matejka, Great Plains Laborers, Steve Rever, UA Local 99, and Lance Reece, IBEW 197. In what Normal Mayor Chris Koos, called “an incredible day for everyone,” Normal, Illinois was awarded $22 million to complete the planned Multimodal transportation center in Uptown Normal. The entire project will cost $49 million. The $22 million federal TIGER grant completed the funding necessary to commence construction. U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D), and Congress members Debbie Halvorson (D-11) and Tim Johnson (R-15), all helped win appropriations for the project, along with former 11th District Congressman Jerry Weller(R). The Mayor noted that the community worked together for nine years to bring the project to fruition. The $49.1 million project includes a four-story, 68,000 square facility. At this station, not only will Amtrak train stop, but also local buses, interstate buses, airport shuttle buses to O’Hare, Midway and Central Illinois Regional Airport, and local taxis. The ground floor will serve as the transportation center, with some small retail outlets. The Town of Normal will occupy the top three floors, with the Town Council chambers on the fourth floor, along with a multi-purpose room for the general public. To the west of the multi-modal center a 400 stall parking deck is planned, which will have ground level bays for buses, taxis and shuttle services. The project is “shovel ready” and once the Town has all its federal rules in place, the bid process can begin. It is hoped that construction will begin by June. State Representative Dan Brady (88-R), who aided Normal’s efforts in the Statehouse, described the project as a “win, win, win” for the community. “With this funding to complete the multi-modal center, Normal is poised to become a showcase community for the potential of high-speed rail in America,” said Senator Durbin, in a written statement. “This project will create hundreds of jobs in the region and serve as a transportation hub in the heart of Illinois. I want to congratulate Mayor Koos for securing this last amount of funding and also thank Congresswoman Halvorson for her efforts.” “As we work to rebuild our economy and expand economic opportunities throughout Illinois, projects like this multi-modal center and high-speed rail will bring the jobs and development our communities need” said Halvorson. “Delivering this funding was a real team effort that will truly benefit the entire region. I’m proud to have worked with Senator Durbin, Mayor Koos and our local leaders to deliver this funding, and I’m proud to help deliver a facility that our friends and neighbors will use for years to come.” |