President Wants High Speed Rail

WMBD/WYZZ TV – PEORIA -- Local lawmakers are pushing to bring high speed rail to Illinois. And Senator Dick Durbin is leading the way. Senator Durbin says he's in favor of high speed rails right here in the Land of Lincoln. In fact, he's already written a letter to President Obama--the move comes as the Commander in Chief makes rail transportation a top priority for his administration.

President Obama has already set aside 8 billion dollars of stimulus funds for the high speed system. And that’s just considered a down payment. Now, for Peoria to take advantage of this speedy upgrade, Amtrak would first have to come back to the area. Existing lines would need to be repaired and new ones would need to be added. Still officials are optimistic and the move would benefit the local economy.