MOLINE, Ill. — Federal dollars for Quad Cities-Chicago Amtrak are set to expire by the end of the year, but three lawmakers are working for an extension — and working to keep the project alive.
The train station in downtown Moline is empty. It's been that way for years, waiting for the project that seems a lifetime away. An Amtrak connection from Chicago to the Quad Cities has sat in limbo for more than a decade, leaving $177 million in federal funds unused since 2010.
Rep. Eric Sorensen has been hammering away at this project, along with Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin.
"We had to push pause on this entire project when Gov. Rauner wouldn't allow state funds to be used for this service," Sorensen said. He said an uncooperative Iowa Interstate Rail also put a damper on the project.
But he said both of those things are behind us. Now, Iowa Interstate is coming to the table. It can receive a grant to fix the crumbling Rock River rail bridge, paving the way for passenger service.
"I know that bridge because I kayak in that section of the Rock River, you can see that there are chains holding the bridge together," Sorensen said. "It needs to be fixed."
Combined with upgrades to the 45 miles of rail between Moline and Wyanet, freight and passenger service will be faster and safer.
"So it is now a win-win, but we need to make sure that Iowa Interstate plays in good faith with those of us that want to see this train," Sorensen said.
Durbin also wants to see those trains.
"I’ve been pushing for this Amtrak service for many many years, I do believe it helps communities downstate. I don’t know how downstate colleges and universities would survive without it," Durbin said, "and extending Amtrak service into the Quad Cities area is going to help the local economy."
He said one of the points of negotiation with the railroad is scheduling, whether passenger or freight trains take priority. He said technology can help sort that out.
"I can tell you this, I’m in for whatever it takes. This has been a concept for over 10 years supported by local people, and my job is to try to close the deal," Durbin said.
It all hinges on the federal funds getting a five-year extension from the Department of Transportation — and getting additional money. But with the railroad's cooperation, Sorensen said he hopes to see that Moline station full of passengers.
"I hear a lot from our constituents who say, 'Well that's never gonna happen in our lifetime,'" Sorensen said. "People back home need to know — this is as close as we've ever been."
The project also has $225 million from the state, pledged by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2019. Sorensen said those funds have already been renewed. He also said he hopes to see a construction schedule in the next few months.