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<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Illinois High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/</link><description></description><ttl>5</ttl><item><title>Officials pitch Ill. firms on high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#officials_pitch_ill_firms_on_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Transportation is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration to link Midwest manufacturers with railroad projects.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:21:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Construction on Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail in progress, to finish by 2014</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#construction_on_chicago_to_st_louis_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[A new high-speed train connecting St. Louis and Chicago will provide students with an alternative way to travel.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:53:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>LaHood: Still Our Goal To Connect 80 Percent of Americans to High Speed Rail by 2036</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lahood_still_our_goal_to_connect_80_percent_</link><description><![CDATA[The U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, still wants to connect 80 percent of Americans to high speed rail by 2036.  That’s the goal that President Barack Obama laid out in last year’s state of the union.  ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:48:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Awards $186 Million to Illinois to Expand High-Speed Rail in the Midwest</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_transportation_secretary_lahood_awards_186_million_to_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high-speed rail project that will reduce travel times and put Americans back to work this spring.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:31:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail project nearing completion</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_to_st_louis_highspeed_rail_project_nearing_</link><description><![CDATA[The state of Illinois received $186 million from the Federal Government on Wednesday to help complete the $1.1 billion Chicago to St. Louis high speed rail project that will travel at 110 mph and take over an hour off the total trip time. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:18:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>LaHood awards $186 M to state for rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lahood_awards_186_m_to_state_for_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — 


U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high-speed rail project that will reduce travel times and put Americans back to work this spring.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:41:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>$186m awarded to Illinois for high speed rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#186m_awarded_to_illinois_for_high_speed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high speed rail project that will reduce travel times and ‘put Americans back to work this spring’]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:26:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Environmental Law and Policy Centers Commends Award of More Than $186 Million for High Speed Rail in Illinois from USDOT</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#environmental_law_and_policy_centers_commends_award_of_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO, Jan 04, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) commends Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for awarding more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:25:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>$186M to fund Joliet-to-Dwight high-speed rail </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#186m_to_fund_joliettodwight_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET — The federal government on Wednesday gave a $186 million boost to the future high-speed railway through Joliet.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:22:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois gets $186 million for rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_gets_186_million_for_rail_project_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (AP) - The Illinois Department of Transportation is getting $186 million for its high-speed rail project.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:07:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois gets $186 million for rail project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_gets_186_million_for_rail_project_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation is getting $186 million for its high-speed rail project.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:04:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Awards $186 Million to Illinois to Expand High-Speed Rail in the Midwest</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_transportation_secretary_lahood_awards_186_million_to_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high-speed rail project that will reduce travel times and put Americans back to work this spring.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:42:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>AMTRAK FARE SALE WARMS UP WINTER</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_fare_sale_warms_up_winter_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO -- Amtrak travel is always a good deal, but for wallets and pocketbooks emptied by holiday spending, Amtrak is offering an even greater deal with discounts of 20 percent for trips in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri through this winter and early spring.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:27:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Top Stories 2011: High-speed rail upgrades</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#top_stories_2011_highspeed_rail_upgrades_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL – One of the top stories of 2011 in Central Illinois is high-speed rail upgrades and work on the Uptown Station. But what happened this year?
 
WJBC’s Stephanie Pawlowski has a look.
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:26:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak an Alternative to US Airport Security</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_an_alternative_to_us_airport_security_</link><description><![CDATA[Reports are that this Thanksgiving's travel was not bad, considering the new airport security surprises the TSA put in place not long before the holiday last year ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:36:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Alton gets grant for multi-modal center</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#alton_gets_grant_for_multimodal_center_</link><description><![CDATA[ALTON - The recent announcement that Alton is receiving a federal, $13.85 million grant for a regional train station/multi-modal transportation center came quicker than officials thought would happen, if at all]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:34:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois High-Speed Rail-Issue 4 Fact Sheet now Available</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_highspeed_railissue_4_fact_sheet_now_available_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation in cooperation with partnering organizations, Union Pacific and Amtrak, continues to lead the nation's High-Speed Rail program. 

In an effort to keep you informed, a new fact sheet has just been published. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:50:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>$177M earmarked for QC-Chicago rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#177m_earmarked_for_qcchicago_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Monday said that more than $177 million will go to the Illinois Department of Transportation for a passenger rail project that will operate twice daily round-trip service between Chicago and the


]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:32:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>"Last year we spent more than $40 billion on highways. And Lord knows we need that. But that's more than we spent on Amtrak in its entire 40-year history. "</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#last_year_we_spent_more_than_40_billion_</link><description><![CDATA[The nation’s rail system has been criticized by numerous lawmakers for always operating at a deficit and seeking financial boosts from Congress. But when compared with federal highway spending, Amtrak’s balance sheet doesn’t look so bad.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:05:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Union Pacific Railroad Track Improvement Project from Joliet to Dwight in Will, Grundy, and Livingston Counties, Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#union_pacific_railroad_track_improvement_project_from_joliet_</link><description><![CDATA[The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Track Improvement Project lies along a section of the UPRR track between Joliet and Dwight, Illinois and extends 36 miles across Will County, Grundy County and northeastern Livingston County. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:01:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago Amtrak adds ‘Great Dome’ car for Thanksgiving season</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_amtrak_adds_great_dome_car_for_thanksgiving_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak is operating all available railcars and locomotives on trains to and from the Chicago area in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday travel season.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:20:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>CHICAGO AMTRAK TRAINS SUPER-SIZED FOR HOLIDAYS</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_amtrak_trains_supersized_for_holidays_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO – Amtrak is operating all available railcars and locomotives on trains to and from the Chicago area in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday travel season.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:56:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT outlines high-speed rail proposals</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_outlines_highspeed_rail_proposals_</link><description><![CDATA[ALTON - The Illinois Department of Transportation held its final of five public meetings across the state Thursday in Alton regarding alternatives for locating three portions of the "high-speed" rail route.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:01:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) host public meetings in Carlinville and Alton, Illinois. </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_illinois_department_of_transportation_idot_and_the_</link><description><![CDATA[Potential route alternatives for high-speed rail service from Chicago to St. Louis will be presented at a second round of upcoming public meetings hosted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:10:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT Meeting About Environmental Impact of Chicago-St. Louis Corridor Set in Joliet </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_meeting_about_environmental_impact_of_chicagost_louis_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET – The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration have set dates for public meetings regarding the draft environmental impact statement for the Chicago - St. Louis corridor.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:39:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT seeks input on high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_seeks_input_on_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[BLOOMINGTON - The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking public input for the next phase of the high-speed rail line from Chicago to St. Louis.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:38:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>JOLIET — State transportation officials want to add more trips for future high-speed rail trains moving from Joliet to St. Louis</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#joliet__state_transportation_officials_want_to_add_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET — State transportation officials want to add more trips for future high-speed rail trains moving from Joliet to St. Louis.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:34:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT exploring alternate high-speed rail routes</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_exploring_alternate_highspeed_rail_routes_</link><description><![CDATA[BLOOMINGTON — Brian Auer of Normal has always been a fan of railroads and frequently rides the train for business.



]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:22:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Braidwood officials push siding issue with IDOT</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#braidwood_officials_push_siding_issue_with_idot_</link><description><![CDATA[One week after representatives from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) took part in a heated discussion about a possible high speed rail siding in Braidwood, 
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:20:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High-Speed Rail Future to be Discussed at B-N Public Meeting </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_future_to_be_discussed_at_bn_</link><description><![CDATA[BLOOMINGTON -- A public meeting has been scheduled where the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration will present several alternative routes for accommodating higher speeds and additional daily round trips between Chicago and St. Louis.



]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:36:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>You're Invited to Attend The Tier 1 EIS Public Meetings </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#youre_invited_to_attend_the_tier_1_eis_</link><description><![CDATA[Potential route alternatives for high-speed rail service from Chicago to St. Louis will be presented at a second round of upcoming public meetings hosted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:32:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Tracks ready for fast trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#tracks_ready_for_fast_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — With track work finishing Tuesday at the Howard Street  crossing, Pontiac’s tracks are ready for high-speed trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:29:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Chicago Tribune: Project to fix rail choke point around Chicago begins</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_chicago_tribune_project_to_fix_rail_choke_</link><description><![CDATA[Work has started on a $133 million project to alleviate train-traffic jams at a Chicago choke point that frequently brings both national freight and local commuter trains to a standstill]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:36:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Project could improve Ill. Amtrak travel times</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#project_could_improve_ill_amtrak_travel_times_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD -- State and federal officials broke ground Monday on a major rail project that that could reduce delays for downstate Amtrak riders.
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:33:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The second round of public meetings for the Tier I EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) has been scheduled. </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_second_round_of_public_meetings_for_the_</link><description><![CDATA[The second round of public meetings for the Tier I EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) has been scheduled. The purpose of these meetings is to present the alternative routes that have been developed for accommodating higher speeds and additional daily round trips between Chicago and St. Louis. 
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:04:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>30 million riders an Amtrak record</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#30_million_riders_an_amtrak_record_</link><description><![CDATA[GALESBURG — Although final figures are not expected to be released until next week, an Amtrak spokesman said Tuesday that the national passenger rail service surpassed 30 million riders for the first time in its history for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.


]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:12:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Trail to go around tracks at Uptown Station </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#trail_to_go_around_tracks_at_uptown_station_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL -- Constitution Trail will take the path of least resistance when it is diverted around the high-speed rail tracks near the transportation center, which will be named Uptown Station.


]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:11:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Constitution Trail Changes, Transportation Center name on Normal's Agenda  </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#constitution_trail_changes_transportation_center_name_on_normals_</link><description><![CDATA[
NORMAL -- A decision on a new route for the portion of Constitution Trail that will be displaced by high speed rail could be made during a council work session Monday night.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:47:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Transit hub in Normal could be example for Springfield </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#transit_hub_in_normal_could_be_example_for_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL — The community of Normal is less than a year away from the scheduled opening of a four-story, $43 million transportation hub that will combine train, taxi, bus and other public transportation systems in one downtown location.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:34:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Howard Street railroad crossing closes Friday</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#howard_street_railroad_crossing_closes_friday_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — Pontiac’s Superintendent of Streets and Alleys Chris Brock has explained the detours that will be involved during the time the railroad crossing is closed on West Howard Street.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:28:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Council backs golf course site for new train station </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#council_backs_golf_course_site_for_new_train_</link><description><![CDATA[ALTON - Aldermen suspended rules Wednesday to hurry along Alton's show of support for locating a new high-speed railroad station in the far northeast corner of Robert P. Wadlow Municipal Golf Course.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:26:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train in Chicago This Weekend </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_40th_anniversary_exhibit_train_in_chicago_this_</link><description><![CDATA[THe Amtrak exhibit train, a unique traveling display showcasing memorabilia from the 40-years of Amtrak railroad history is touring the country and is stopping at Amtrak Union Station in Chicago this weekend. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:31:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Senate Panel Advances Kirk Transportation Priorities </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#senate_panel_advances_kirk_transportation_priorities_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON--(ENEWSPF)--September 22, 2011.  U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) announced today that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee adopted several key Illinois infrastructure priorities in the 2012 U.S. Department of Transportation funding bill. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:34:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois High Speed Rail Funding Restored </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_high_speed_rail_funding_restored_</link><description><![CDATA[Lawmakers say they have restored $100 million in funding for High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail grants. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, along with several other politicians, announced Wednesday that an amendment to the program has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:54:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Senate panel rejects GOP bid to undercut NLRB</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#senate_panel_rejects_gop_bid_to_undercut_nlrb_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans on Wednesday failed in an effort to undercut the National Labor Relations Board's authority to challenge a company decision on where to locate its work force.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:52:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Current state of rail discussed.</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#current_state_of_rail_discussed_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — A small gathering of about 10 local residents sat in the Pontiac Public Library to hear high-speed rail advocates Susan Rhomberg and Maurice Ball give a presentation on the current state of the high-speed rail system.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:59:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Rail improvement work finished for this year</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#rail_improvement_work_finished_for_this_year_</link><description><![CDATA[Another season of track improvements for high-speed trains between St. Louis and Chicago is finished, meaning an end to buses and detours for this year, Amtrak and state transportation officials said Thursday. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:18:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Travel Tip: Amtrak Rail Passes </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#travel_tip_amtrak_rail_passes_</link><description><![CDATA[Have you ever heard of an Amtrak rail pass? I bet you haven’t because Amtrak has done a terrible job of letting you know it exists.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:15:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak completes rail track improvement works between Chicago &amp; St Louis</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_completes_rail_track_improvement_works_between_chicago_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak has announced the completion of recent track improvement work between Chicago and St. Louis.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:14:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak updates policy on train travel for unaccompanied minors</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_updates_policy_on_train_travel_for_unaccompanied_</link><description><![CDATA[Updating the current policy, Amtrak is establishing 13 as the minimum age of an unaccompanied minor allowed to travel on its trains. The policy change takes effect on Nov. 1.
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:10:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>La Hood: “Class I’s are good partners” </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#la_hood_class_is_are_good_partners_</link><description><![CDATA[In his keynote address at the Opening General Session of Railway Interchange 2011 in Minneapolis Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood (top) said that the Class I railroads “are our good partners in developing the President’s vision for high speed rail.”]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:08:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>"Tracks are Back" Chicago - St. Louis Celebration </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#tracks_are_back_chicago__st_louis_celebration_</link><description><![CDATA[Save 15 percent on Amtrak Lincoln Service travel through October 3. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:35:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Obama's jobs plan contains $4 billion for high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#obamas_jobs_plan_contains_4_billion_for_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s new jobs bill contains $4 billion for high-speed rail grants and $2 billion to repair and refurbish Amtrak’s assets in the Northeast Corridor.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:18:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak rolls toward record ridership</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_rolls_toward_record_ridership_</link><description><![CDATA[Thanks to changes in technology and demographics — not to mention the hassles of air travel — the nation’s railroads are drawing a whole new crowd.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:17:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail to Duluth gains steam</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_to_duluth_gains_steam_</link><description><![CDATA[Plans to build a high-speed train line that would connect the Twin Cities with Duluth are gaining momentum.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:15:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Jobs bill includes $4B for high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#jobs_bill_includes_4b_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's new jobs bill contains $4 billion for high-speed rail grants and $2 billion to repair and refurbish Amtrak's assets in the Northeast Corridor.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:07:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>2 RR crossings to close for work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#2_rr_crossings_to_close_for_work_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — If things go as scheduled, motorists in the city of Pontiac will have to find alternate routes to get around later this week.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:06:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Normal rail crossings to be closed</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#normal_rail_crossings_to_be_closed_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL -- The Mulberry Street and Beech Street railroad crossings will be closed Thursday through Wednesday for track work related to the high-speed rail project.

Mulberry Street (westbound College) traffic will be detoured using Blair Drive, Fort Jesse Road/Willow Street and Linden Street.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:45:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak lets passengers buy train tickets via iPhone app</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_lets_passengers_buy_train_tickets_via_iphone_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak has introduced an iPhone application that lets passengers plan trips, modify existing reservations, check train schedules and buy tickets.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:13:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail work on track</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_work_on_track_</link><description><![CDATA[HARTFORD - An army of railroad workers, many from the Union Pacific Railway, began laying the high-speed rail Friday through Hartford, closing Rand Avenue, Seventh Street and Hawthorne Avenue, and briefly closing Robbins Road.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:36:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>COSTELLO ANNOUNCES DOT FUNDS TO BE USED IN WOOD RIVER</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#costello_announces_dot_funds_to_be_used_in_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation has received a $750,000 Railway-Highway Crossing Hazard Elimination in High-Speed Rail Corridors grant through the Federal Railroad Administration ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:08:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle Schedule Change </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_service_and_texas_eagle_schedule_change_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific Railroad is continuing construction on a four-year High-Speed Rail project between Chicago and St. Louis, affecting the Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle.  ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:07:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Keystone Service Schedule Change-August 20- August 28 </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#keystone_service_schedule_changeaugust_20_august_28_</link><description><![CDATA[Due to track improvements being performed between Lancaster and Parkesburg, westbound Keystone service trains will be affected ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:04:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces $16.9 Million in Grants for Illinois Highway Projects  </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_transportation_secretary_ray_lahood_announces_169_million_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces $16.9 Million in Grants for Illinois Highway ProjectsFunds will help create jobs by expanding highway repairs, improving safety at rail crossings and studying possible new I-66 alignment

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:49:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Deerfield Metra station to get $1.7 million upgrade</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#deerfield_metra_station_to_get_17_million_upgrade_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will receive more than $16.9 million in federal grants for highway improvement and planning, $1.7 million of which will replace two pedestrian crossing and an underpass at the lakek-Cook Metra station in Deerfield.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:48:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>US announces $16.9 million in grants to Illinois for highway improvements</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_announces_169_million_in_grants_to_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois will receive more than $16.9 million in federal grants for highway improvement and planning.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:46:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois nabs $17 mil. from feds for transportation projects </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_nabs_17_mil_from_feds_for_transportation_</link><description><![CDATA[(Crain's) — Illinois will receive almost $17 million in federal highway grants out of $417.3 million disbursed nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:43:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Local view: High-speed trains could solidify Midwest’s future</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#local_view_highspeed_trains_could_solidify_midwests_future_</link><description><![CDATA[There is a real need for a modern passenger rail system in this country, but prospects for such a system are threatened by severe governmental cutbacks.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:24:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>New option added to local railroad consolidation possibilities</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#new_option_added_to_local_railroad_consolidation_possibilities_</link><description><![CDATA[Rail planning officials Tuesday threw a new option into the mix of Springfield rail consolidation plans during a meeting at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, surprising some people who attended the event.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:00:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>DOT Finalizes $336 Million for State Trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#dot_finalizes_336_million_for_state_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[Money to California, lllinois will fund equipment used in five states 
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri will receive $336.2 million under to buy trains for passenger rail corridors in routes shared with freight railroads.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:08:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Five U.S. states receive $336M for rail improvements</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#five_us_states_receive_336m_for_rail_improvements_</link><description><![CDATA[Help is finally on the way for United States rail.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said California, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa and Missouri will receive $336.2 million to purchase trains for passenger rail improvements in track shared with freight railroads.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:06:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Missouri and Illinois receive money to purchase trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#missouri_and_illinois_receive_money_to_purchase_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[Washington D.C. (KSDK) - Missouri and Illinois are among states receiving money from the federal government to purchase next-generation trains U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, announced Wednesday. 

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:03:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Crews improve rail crossings for high-speed service </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#crews_improve_rail_crossings_for_highspeed_service_</link><description><![CDATA[
Two area railroad crossings that were closed last week are expected to reopen Monday.

The crossings at Bissell Avenue in Venice and Niedringhaus Avenue in Granite City are scheduled to reopen at 7 a.m., officials said. Crews made track improvements to get ready for high-speed rail service.



]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:02:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>LaHood announces money for American-made trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lahood_announces_money_for_americanmade_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri will receive $336.2 million to purchase next-generation, American-made trains that will run on rail corridors in those states. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:00:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois In Line For Next-Generation Trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_in_line_for_nextgeneration_trains_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (CBS) — Illinois is in line for funding to purchase some new trains. 

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:56:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois to Receive Additional Federal Support for High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_to_receive_additional_federal_support_for_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[The State of Illinois is getting a boost of funds for its high-speed rail projects. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced that Illinois is one of five states receiving more than $336 million to buy next-generation trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:57:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Station Area Planning for High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#station_area_planning_for_highspeed_and_intercity_passenger_</link><description><![CDATA[Federal Railroad Administration's Office of Railroad Policy and Development has a released a station area planning guideline designed to be a reference tool for state transportation departments and local and regional jurisdictions.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:13:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Dwight to Joliet High-Speed Rail Open House</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#dwight_to_joliet_highspeed_rail_open_house_</link><description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend an Open House on Thursday, August 4, 2011. Information will be available on the Dwight to Joliet section of the Illinois High-Speed Rail Line. Representatives from IDOT and the Study team will be there to discuss the project and answer your questions.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:56:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Transportation Nation VIDEO: Your Questions Answered! Ray LaHood’s “On the Go”</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#transportation_nation_video_your_questions_answered_ray_lahoods_</link><description><![CDATA[As we reported earlier this month, US Department of Transportation Secretary (and devoted TN reader — check out his yellow tie) Ray LaHood reached out to us to solicit questions for his latest episode of “On the Go,” his monthly video Q&A series. Today he tackles a few of them.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:48:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Dwight rail crossing to close for work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#dwight_rail_crossing_to_close_for_work_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the Union Pacific Railroad crossing on Illinois Route 47 in Dwight will be closed from 5 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. July 25.  Officials say the closure is needed to safely complete at-grade crossing work in the area.    ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:55:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Route 47 Road Closing Expected for Rail Work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_route_47_road_closing_expected_for_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[DWIGHT – IDOT officials announced, weather permitting, the Union Pacific Railroad crossing on IL Route 47 in Dwight will be closed from 5 a.m. on July 21 to 8 p.m. on July 25. The closure is needed to safely complete at-grade crossing work in the area. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:37:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Midwest High-Speed Rail Network- Statement of Support </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#midwest_highspeed_rail_network_statement_of_support_</link><description><![CDATA[We fully support the vision of an advanced passenger rail network linking cities and towns across the midwest. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:20:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak Service Change </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_service_change_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific is continuing construction on a four-year High-Speed Rail project between Chicago and St. Louis, affecting the Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle.  ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:19:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>New rails mean new depot</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#new_rails_mean_new_depot_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — With the reality of high-speed trains looming, Pontiac City Council members learned at their meeting Monday that train service may not be the only thing changing in town.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:46:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois High-Speed Rail Corridor Work Schedule  </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_highspeed_rail_corridor_work_schedule_</link><description><![CDATA[Amtrak Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle trains affected in July; alternate transportation plan includes new train connections ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:28:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Pantagraph.Com: Streets in Normal closing for high-speed rail work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#pantagraphcom_streets_in_normal_closing_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[NORMAL — If you routinely travel across the Fell Avenue or Broadway railroad crossings, you’ll need to change your route starting Thursday. The two crossings will be closed until July 8 so Union Pacific Railroad workers can install high-speed rails.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:15:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>States for Passenger Rail Coalition: Illinois Vision </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#states_for_passenger_rail_coalition_illinois_vision_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois’ signature high-speed route is the Chicago to St. Louis corridor.  Of the 35 million plus trips between Chicago and St. Louis, more than 90 percent have origins or destinations in Chicago or St. Louis.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:08:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Pontiac Daily Leader: Car, Amtrak travel affected</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#pontiac_daily_leader_car_amtrak_travel_affected_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — At least four railroad crossings just off Old Route 66 between Chenoa and Pontiac have closed in preparation for track improvements to accommodate high-speed rail.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:45:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>WJBC: Normal railroad crossings closed for high speed rail work</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#wjbc_normal_railroad_crossings_closed_for_high_speed_</link><description><![CDATA[The Union Pacific Railroad will close the rail crossings at Fell Avenue and Broadway Street just south of Beaufort Street beginning Thursday, June 30. The crossings will remain closed until Friday, July 8 for track improvements associated with the Illinois High Speed Rail project.
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:48:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Herald News:Let’s roll with high-speed rail in Will County </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_herald_newslets_roll_with_highspeed_rail_in_</link><description><![CDATA[Many reasons can be found to criticize Gov. Pat Quinn, but his commitment to high-speed rail is not one of them.

Soon, people will see the amazing progress occurring on the Amtrak line running from Dwight to Joliet.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:58:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Pontiac Daily Leader.Com:Crossing closures announced</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#pontiac_daily_leadercomcrossing_closures_announced_</link><description><![CDATA[Pontiac, Ill. — The Pontiac City Council learned Monday night that work is progressing smoothly on the high-speed rail tracks that are being laid from St. Louis to Chicago.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:26:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_service_and_texas_eagle_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific Railroad is continuing construction on a 4-year high-speed rail project between Chicago and St. Louis, affecting the Lincoln Service & Texas Eagle. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:29:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Track Renewal Train makes progress in Central Illinois </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#track_renewal_train_makes_progress_in_central_illinois_</link><description><![CDATA[It’s another sign that high speed rail is on the way to Central Illinois. A Track Renewal Train, or TRT, is making its way north. The machine removes wooden rail ties and replaces them with concrete ties in one swift motion]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:14:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois high speed rail project continues</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_high_speed_rail_project_continues_</link><description><![CDATA[Upgrading of approximately ninety-six miles of railroad track, including installation of a quarter-million railroad ties for future high-speed Amtrak trains, has resumed on the line between Chicago and St. Louis.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 10:31:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>WTTC Summit 2011: Obama administration eyes high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#wttc_summit_2011_obama_administration_eyes_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[High-speed rail has been earmarked as a key to meeting the USA’s future transport needs, according to US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who was speaking at the WTTC 11th Travel & Tourism Summit in Las Vegas.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 15:58:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Selling High-Speed Rail to the skeptics – USDOT Sec. Ray LaHood talks about strategy and benefits of HSR investments</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#selling_highspeed_rail_to_the_skeptics__usdot_</link><description><![CDATA[U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $2 billion in high-speed rail awards providing an unprecedented investment to speed up trains in the Northeast Corridor, ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 15:54:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High speed rail upgrades come to Bloomington-Normal </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#high_speed_rail_upgrades_come_to_bloomingtonnormal_</link><description><![CDATA[The high speed rail upgrades are finally moving through the Twin Cities. Bloomington Public Works Director Jim Karch says the Union Pacific will be shutting down either the Six Points and Miller crossings or the Miller and Washington crossings starting tomorrow.
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 15:24:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Livingston preparing for arrival of new rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#livingston_preparing_for_arrival_of_new_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[PONTIAC — The Track Renewal Train laying high-speed rail line is expected to be in Livingston County next month, but county leaders already are preparing for the process.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 15:22:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed trains: A top Obama Administration priority, says US Transport Secretary LaHood </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_trains_a_top_obama_administration_priority_says_</link><description><![CDATA[LAS VEGAS (eTN) – In his remarks at the ongoing World Travel & Tourism Council’s eleventh Global Travel and Tourism Summit, currently being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States transport secretary, Ray LaHood, has said the Obama administration has big plans to establish high-speed trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 15:20:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High-speed rail work to cause B-N detours today</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_work_to_cause_bn_detours_today_</link><description><![CDATA[BLOOMINGTON -- The Track Renewal Train is expected to be in Bloomington today, prompting some crossing closures and some changes in Amtrak service.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 15:19:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Sierra Club: Springfield can benefit from high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#sierra_club_springfield_can_benefit_from_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[While the Sierra Club has not weighed in on the best route for high-speed rail traffic through Springfield, the group does believe the city can benefit from better train service, a local coordinator said.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 14:51:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program- Midwest &amp; South Region Investments (2009-2011) </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_intercity_passenger_rail_program_midwest__south_</link><description><![CDATA[The Midwest region is a national leader in planning & developing an integrated, multi-state passenger rail network.  ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 11:20:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Building America’s Future Applauds Secretary LaHood’s Announcement of Additional Rail Infrastructure Funding </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#building_americas_future_applauds_secretary_lahoods_announcement_of_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON, DC— Building America’s Future applauds Secretary LaHood and the Department of Transportation for providing $795 million for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to support developing a true high-speed rail system in the most densely populated area of the country. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 11:18:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Fast and the Furious</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#fast_and_the_furious_</link><description><![CDATA[An ambitious scheme to link all major American cities within 800 kilometres of one another by high-speed rail before the middle of the century is an achievable goal, according to the United States PIRG, a federation of state Public Interest Research Groups.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 15:25:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Rochelle company hopes to build high speed rail cars</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#rochelle_company_hopes_to_build_high_speed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[ROCHELLE (WREX) - High speed rail money coming to Illinois could mean business for a company in Rochelle.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 16:12:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Joliet transportation center plan looks good even if high-speed rail gets iffy </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#joliet_transportation_center_plan_looks_good_even_if_</link><description><![CDATA[JOLIET — The Joliet plan to become a high-speed rail hub is moving steadily ahead even if the future of fast trains in the U.S. seems confusing at times.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 16:09:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Who says America isn't ready for high-speed rail?</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#who_says_america_isnt_ready_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[This morning I announced $2 billion for high-speed rail projects across America, and I have been energized by the tremendous response.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2011 13:11:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $2 Billion for High-Speed Intercity Rail Projects to Grow Jobs, Boost U.S. Manufacturing and Transform Travel in America</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#us_transportation_secretary_lahood_announces_2_billion_for_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $2 billion in high-speed rail awards providing an unprecedented investment to speed up trains in the Northeast Corridor

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 10:30:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Michelle Obama Featured in Amtrak Magazine </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#michelle_obama_featured_in_amtrak_magazine_</link><description><![CDATA[First Lady Michelle Obama is featured on the cover of the May/June issue of Arrive magazine, a travelers' publication from Amtrak that is placed on trains and in train stations in the Northeast corridor. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 09:13:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>More $$$ for Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Trains</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#more__for_chicago_to_st_louis_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) __ Amtrak and rail projects in 15 states are being awarded the $2 billion that Florida lost after the governor canceled plans for high-speed train service, the Department of Transportation said Monday.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 09:10:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Amtrak, 15 states get $2 billion that Florida lost</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#amtrak_15_states_get_2_billion_that_florida_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) — Amtrak and rail projects in 15 states are being awarded the $2 billion that Florida lost after the governor canceled plans for high-speed train service, the Department of Transportation said Monday.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 09:05:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Wins High-Speed Rail Cash That Florida Turned Down, For Chicago-To-St. Louis Line </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_wins_highspeed_rail_cash_that_florida_turned_</link><description><![CDATA[Republican intransigence over government spending has paid dividends yet again in Illinois, as the state has been awarded a sizable chunk of federal dollars rejected elsewhere.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 16:12:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Nabs $186 Million in Rejected Florida Rail Funds</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_nabs_186_million_in_rejected_florida_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois has been notified by the Department of Transportation that it will get another $186 million in rail grants, coming out of $2 billion the DOT is reallocating from funds Florida rejected for a high speed passenger rail project.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 16:10:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail recieves $186 funding </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_to_st_louis_highspeed_rail_recieves_186_</link><description><![CDATA[The US Department of Transportation has awarded $186 million in high speed rail funding to finance track and other improvements on the Chicago to St. Louis corridor between Dwight and Joliet. 
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 16:08:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois gets $186 million for high speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_gets_186_million_for_high_speed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[The high speed rail effort between Chicago and St. Louis is getting a $186 million boost from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 16:06:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>St. Louis-Chicago corridor snags $186 million in high-speed rail funds </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#st_louischicago_corridor_snags_186_million_in_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON - Pouncing on another pot of rejected high-speed rail money, Illinois has snagged an additional $186 million to help pay for track and other improvements on the planned St. Louis to Chicago fast-train corridor.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 14:42:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>State to get $186M for Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#state_to_get_186m_for_chicago_to_st_</link><description><![CDATA[If Florida doesn't want federal transportation funds, then Illinois will take some of it.
Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $186 million ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 14:17:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>$186M Chugs into Illinois for High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#186m_chugs_into_illinois_for_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois is calling "all aboard" for more federal dollars for high-speed rail improvements. Gov. Pat Quinn, Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Mark Kirk announced Wednesday the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Land of Lincoln $186 million 
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 14:08:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Governor Quinn, Senators Durbin, Kirk Announce $186 Million for Chicago to St. Louis High Speed Rail </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#governor_quinn_senators_durbin_kirk_announce_186_million_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO – May 4, 2011. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined Governor Pat Quinn in announcing that the U.S. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 14:06:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Florida's Rejected High-Speed Rail Funding will Improve Chicago/St. Louis Route </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#floridas_rejected_highspeed_rail_funding_will_improve_chicagost_</link><description><![CDATA[ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- A big win for the Illinois High-Speed Rail after Florida says no to federal money. The Land of Lincoln was awarded 189 million dollars of the money Florida turned down for high speed rail. It will be used to build a route from Chicago to St. Louis.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 08:48:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>More High-Speed Rail Money On Its Way To Illinois</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#more_highspeed_rail_money_on_its_way_to_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (WBBM) – More high-speed rail money is on its way to Illinois. WBBM’s Bob Roberts reports that this is the third time since early last year that Illinois has received high-speed rail money.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 08:46:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>STLtoday.com: Illinois wins another $186 million for St. Louis-Chicago high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#stltodaycom_illinois_wins_another_186_million_for_st_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON -- Illinois senators said this afternoon they were notified that a portion of the $2 billion in high-speed rail funding rejected by Florida will be spent along the tracks in Illinois.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 15:49:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago Tribune:Illinois gets $186M in rail funds Florida rejected</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicago_tribuneillinois_gets_186m_in_rail_funds_florida_</link><description><![CDATA[About $186 million in federal funding that Florida turned down for high-speed passenger rail has been awarded to Illinois for improvements on part of the 110 mph corridor between Chicago and St. Louis, officials announced today.
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 15:35:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>DURBIN, KIRK, QUINN ANNOUNCE $186 MILLION FOR CHICAGO TO ST. LOUIS HIGH SPEED RAIL</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#durbin_kirk_quinn_announce_186_million_for_chicago_</link><description><![CDATA[[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn in announcing that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $186 million in high speed rail funding to finance track and other improvements ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 15:07:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Machine helping with high-speed rail transition</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#machine_helping_with_highspeed_rail_transition_</link><description><![CDATA[A one-of-a-kind machine that lays the new high-speed rail line from St. Louis to Dwight at a pace of 30 feet per minute is expected to roll into the Twin Cities by mid-May.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 11:02:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High Speed Rail improvements to hit Bloomington-Normal in two weeks</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#high_speed_rail_improvements_to_hit_bloomingtonnormal_in_</link><description><![CDATA[High Speed Rail is expected to live up to its name next month when construction starts through Bloomington-Normal. The Normal Town Council heard an update Monday night on the timeline. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:00:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>High-Speed Rail Moving Forward Even with Budget Cuts, According to the Environmental Law &amp; Policy Center</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#highspeed_rail_moving_forward_even_with_budget_cuts_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rumors of high-speed rail’s demise have been greatly exaggerated, according to Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) Executive Director Howard Learner]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:05:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER: Dick Durbin: Community has to make rail choice</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_state_journalregister_dick_durbin_community_has_to_</link><description><![CDATA[During the last mayoral campaign, the candidates were often asked about the future of rail traffic in our hometown. Many things were said but a few important facts were left out of the debate. 
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:34:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Pantagraph.Com: High-speed rail upgrades intact in budget plan</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#pantagraphcom_highspeed_rail_upgrades_intact_in_budget_plan_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD -- Although the federal budget deal is expected to reduce future funding for some high-speed rail projects across the nation, work on the stretch between Chicago and St. Louis remains on track.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:31:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>CNN: U.S. high-speed rail 'myths' debunked</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#cnn_us_highspeed_rail_myths_debunked_</link><description><![CDATA[(CNN) -- Are proposed multibillion dollar high-speed railway projects in the United States a smart move or a huge waste of taxpayer dollars?

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:20:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Los Angeles Times: Midwest competing with California for high-speed rail funds</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#los_angeles_times_midwest_competing_with_california_for_</link><description><![CDATA[Hoping Florida's loss will be their gain, Illinois and neighboring states have applied for some of the $2.43 billion in federal high-speed rail funding that became available after Florida Gov. Rick Scott scuttled plans for fast trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:26:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>USA Today/ Letters: USA will benefit from high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#usa_today_letters_usa_will_benefit_from_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[During the past two years, I have traveled across the country and listened to the American people's concerns. They are asking us to repair our roads, bridges and transit systems. 
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:24:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>APTA: Federal Investment in High-Speed Rail Could Spur 1.3 Million Jobs  </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#apta_federal_investment_in_highspeed_rail_could_spur_</link><description><![CDATA[Washington, DC – April 6, 2011 –The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a report detailing the enormous impact high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects will have in driving  job development,  ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:19:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Courier: Union Pacific is here</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_courier_union_pacific_is_here_</link><description><![CDATA[LINCOLN — Nearly seven months after high-speed rail work began in Illinois, Union Pacific crews have made their way into Lincoln.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:34:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>States, Amtrak vying for high-speed train money</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#states_amtrak_vying_for_highspeed_train_money_</link><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON -- Twenty-four states, the District of Columbia and Amtrak are vying for $2.4 billion in federal aid that became available when Florida's governor canceled a high-speed rail project in his state, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:31:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Midwest states seek high-speed rail funding</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#midwest_states_seek_highspeed_rail_funding_</link><description><![CDATA[Hoping Florida's loss is their gain, Illinois and neighboring states have applied for high-speed rail federal funding that became available after the Sunshine State's governor scuttled plans for fast trains, officials said today.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:29:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>24 governors appreciate what Florida’s governor refused</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#24_governors_appreciate_what_floridas_governor_refused_</link><description><![CDATA[Since the Department of Transportation announced the availability of an additional $2.4 billion for high-speed rail projects last month, governors and members of Congress from both major parties have been clamoring for the opportunity to participate.

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:28:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Seeking Two Grants For High-Speed Train Project</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_seeking_two_grants_for_highspeed_train_project_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM) — Illinois is working with three other states to secure nearly $1 billion in the latest redistribution of Obama administration high-speed rail money. 

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:26:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Statement of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#statement_of_us_transportation_secretary_ray_lahood_on_</link><description><![CDATA[Washington, DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood issued the following statement today regarding the $2.4 billion available for High-Speed Rail: 

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:18:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Benefits of high-speed rail draw a crowd</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#benefits_of_highspeed_rail_draw_a_crowd_</link><description><![CDATA[Since the Department of Transportation announced the availability of an additional $2.4 billion for high-speed rail projects last month, governors and members of Congress from both major parties have been clamoring for the opportunity to participate]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:14:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Courier: Rail work to resume today</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_courier_rail_work_to_resume_today_</link><description><![CDATA[Look for rail crews to hit Lincoln as early as next week as the Union Pacific Railroad resumes its project to replace the track between Chicago and St. Louis in preparation for high-speed passenger trains.

]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:44:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Republic: Amtrak announces track installation starts on Saturday for central Illinois high-speed rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_republic_amtrak_announces_track_installation_starts_on_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO — Amtrak says 96 miles of tracks and a quarter-million railroad ties are being installed starting Saturday in central Illinois for future high-speed rail service.

]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:11:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>You’re Invited to Union Pacific’s High-Speed Rail General Contractor and Sub-Contractor Information Session</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#youre_invited_to_union_pacifics_highspeed_rail_general_</link><description><![CDATA[You’re Invited to Union Pacific’s High-Speed Rail General Contractor and Sub-Contractor Information Session, ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:39:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Forbes: High-Speed Rail Critics Imperil Economic Growth, Bombardier President Says</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#forbes_highspeed_rail_critics_imperil_economic_growth_bombardier_</link><description><![CDATA[Opposition to high-speed rail imperils U.S. economic growth, the North America president of a leading train manufacturer said in Chicago Tuesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:28:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Kansas City Star: Missouri seeks $1 billion in federal funds to improve passenger rail service</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_kansas_city_star_missouri_seeks_1_billion_</link><description><![CDATA[JEFFERSON CITY | Missouri is seeking nearly $1 billion in federal funds to continue its push for better passenger rail service between Kansas City and St. Louis]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:20:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Journal Sentinel: State seeks money for Hiawatha upgrade</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_journal_sentinel_state_seeks_money_for_hiawatha_</link><description><![CDATA[Less than four months after losing nearly all of an $810 million grant, Wisconsin is again seeking federal high-speed rail money - this time to upgrade the existing Milwaukee-to-Chicago passenger line.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:05:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Journal Star: Passenger Rail Planners Eye East-West Corridor</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_journal_star_passenger_rail_planners_eye_eastwest_</link><description><![CDATA[An East Peoria-to-Normal passenger rail route might be viewed as the first step, but a long-term connection to Champaign and the Quad Cities and beyond could generate the most excitement.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:58:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Epoch Times: Illinois Sees Next Phase In High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#the_epoch_times_illinois_sees_next_phase_in_</link><description><![CDATA[CHICAGO—Illinois is one step closer to a high-speed rail system. Gov. Pat Quinn recently announced a $685 million agreement for further construction of new rail line linking Chicago and St. Louis. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:53:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Union Pacific's High-Speed Rail General Contractor &amp; Sub-Contractor Information Session </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#union_pacifics_highspeed_rail_general_contractor__subcontractor_</link><description><![CDATA[Union Pacific, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), will be upgrading about 215 miles of existing track from Chicago to St. Louis, as part of the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail program. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:34:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>ABC 7- Chicago to St. Louis Fast Train Project Moves Along</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#abc_7_chicago_to_st_louis_fast_train_</link><description><![CDATA[March 22, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn and Senator Dick Durbin unveiled the next phase of the high-speed rail project for Illinois Tuesday. 

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:57:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Bloomington Pantagraph- Quinn, Durbin Making High-Speed Rail Announcement</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#bloomington_pantagraph_quinn_durbin_making_highspeed_rail_announcement_</link><description><![CDATA[Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin are announcing a high-speed rail agreement they say will create more than 6,000 jobs.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:54:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Progress Illinois- Pols Announce $685 Million For High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#progress_illinois_pols_announce_685_million_for_highspeed_</link><description><![CDATA[Starting in 2014, Cubs fans can bring a little Wrigleyville to St. Louis -- at least that’s what Gov. Quinn insisted at a press conference to announce a $685 million agreement to begin construction on the next phase of the a rail project connecting the two major Midwest cities...]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:51:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Sun-Times - High-Speed Venture Praised By Illinois Officials</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#suntimes__highspeed_venture_praised_by_illinois_officials_</link><description><![CDATA[The next phase of construction on a high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis will begin next month, a high-stakes transportation project that could create more than 6,000 jobs, Gov. Quinn and Sen. Dick Durbin announced Tuesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:48:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Journal Gazette &amp; Times Courier- Track Upgrades To Bring High-Speed Rail Closer to Illinois Commuters</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#journal_gazette__times_courier_track_upgrades_to_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD - The second phase of Illinois' venture into speedier passenger rail service is expected to get under way April 5.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:45:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Courier News- High-Speed Rail To Pick Up Again Soon</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_courier_news_highspeed_rail_to_pick_up_</link><description><![CDATA[Chicago — The next phase of construction on a high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis will begin next month, a high-stakes transportation project that could create more than 6,000 jobs, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Tuesday.


]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:33:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Illinois Officials Tout High-Speed Rail Construction</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#illinois_officials_tout_highspeed_rail_construction_</link><description><![CDATA[The next phase of construction on a high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis will begin next month, a high-stakes transportation project similar to those that other states have rebuffed, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Tuesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:30:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail construction enters next phase</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#chicagost_louis_highspeed_rail_construction_enters_next_phase_</link><description><![CDATA[(AP) — The next phase of construction on a high-speed rail route between Chicago and St. Louis will begin next month, a high-stakes transportation project that could create more than 6,000 jobs, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Tuesday.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:19:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Something to “Like” Illinois High-Speed Rail launches Facebook Page</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#something_to_like_illinois_highspeed_rail_launches_facebook_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation has launched a High-Speed Rail Facebook Fan Page. A key planning tool for the Illinois High-Speed Rail Chicago to St. Louis project is a public outreach program to facilitate communication and encourage public participation. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:18:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>WJBC: How could high speed rail affect the environment?</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#wjbc_how_could_high_speed_rail_affect_the_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration is taking feedback on a new study. The study focuses on the environmental impact of potential additional improvements to the high speed rail system from Chicago to St. Louis. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:20:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Video: Tell Your Senators to Support High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#video_tell_your_senators_to_support_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[A new competitive high-speed rail network will reduce oil consumption, traffic congestion, and global warming pollution. It will also give us all a way to avoid the headaches and pat downs at the airport. In order to make this vision a reality, we need a long-term commitment from Congress.

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:35:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Lincoln Times: High-speed rail meeting answers concerns for Logan County leaders</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#lincoln_times_highspeed_rail_meeting_answers_concerns_for_</link><description><![CDATA[Last September a team of professionals representing the Illinois Department of Transportation, Interstate Commerce Commission and the Union Pacific Railroad
hosted a meeting regarding high-speed rail in Logan County. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:46:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>IDOT Collects Input About Expansion of High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#idot_collects_input_about_expansion_of_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[With high-speed rail green-lighted for a portion of the Chicago-St. Louis corridor, IDOT officials on Tuesday held an open house in Joliet seeking input on the impact of expanding high-speed rail.

]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:27:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>All aboard: Illinois gets moving on High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#all_aboard_illinois_gets_moving_on_highspeed_rail_</link><description><![CDATA[The governors of Florida, Ohio and Wisconsin have turned down federal funding for high-speed rail service. But in Illinois, the sentiment is  “All aboard.” ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:40:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>Central Illinois News Center: "Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail Gets on Track" </title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#central_illinois_news_center_chicago_to_st_louis_</link><description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation took the initial steps today that will lead to the construction of a high speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis. 
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:12:00 CST</pubDate></item><item><title>New Environmental Study to Begin For Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail</title><link>http://www.idothsr.org/#new_environmental_study_to_begin_for_chicago_to_</link><description><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have recently begun a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study the impacts of potential additional improvements along the Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail corridor. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:38:00 CST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>

