HIGH SPEED RAIL PROJECT

Rescinds the requests and statements made in House Resolution 548 of the 99th General Assembly and urges the Governor, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the City of Chicago, and the members of the Illinois congressional delegation to accept in its place the statements and requests contained herein. Urges Governor Rauner and the Illinois Department of Transportation to seek federal planning funds to help pay for this study and to consider all potential alternatives for a true high speed rail line that would complement all existing Amtrak services. Urges all State agencies to provide any and all assistance to the City of Chicago in implementing this crucial transportation project. Commends Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his commitment to building high speed train service between O'Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago and urges all State agencies to provide any and all assistance to the City of Chicago in implementing this crucial transportation project. Commends the Mayors and Village Presidents, Council of Governments, Chambers of Commerce, and south suburban legislators for their planning and foresight with projects like the proposed SouthEast Service Line and their commitment to high speed rail as a necessary part of their regional development plan. Calls upon Congress to return to their previous practice in Fiscal Year 2010 of appropriating $2.5 billion in the annual federal budget for capital grants to states for high speed rail projects in order to help fund this high speed rail project.