Durbin Talks Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project With IDOT Secretary

June 09, 2026 Durbin Talks Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project With IDOT Secretary WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Gia Biagi and Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) CEO Joe Parsons to discuss the Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project, which would connect Chicago and Moline, Illinois, with an Amtrak route. During their meeting, Durbin received an update on the project, as the necessary remaining funding for the project was included in the State’s Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act. The leaders discussed efforts to secure an extension for previous federal funds at risk of lapsing. In 2010, Durbin secured $177 million in federal funding for the rail project. The rail line was delayed for years because former Governor Rauner refused to provide state funding for it. Governor Pritzker renewed the state’s commitment to the project by providing $225 million in state funding in 2019. Durbin has repeatedly secured extensions of the federal funding, but the current funding extension is set to expire on July 31, 2026, unless the Trump Administration approves another extension. “Illinois relies on rail. It pushes our economy forward and ensures statewide connectivity, but we still sorely need a route between Chicago and the Quad Cities,” Durbin said. “I’ve been working with IDOT for more than 15 years to make the Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project a reality. Today, I met with Secretary Biagi and Iowa Interstate about finally getting this project across the finish line. I will continue to advocate for the extension of its promised federal funding.” Photos of today’s meeting are available here . -30- Print Email Share Tweet