 The eight states have worked together for months to promote such a
system with Chicago as its hub.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and governors from four other states met
in Chicago on Monday to sign a memorandum establishing the Midwest
Rail Steering Group. That group will coordinate the states'
application for a share of the $8 billion in federal stimulus cash
for such projects.
Competition for the money is stiff. Officials say 40 states have
submitted 278 plans totaling $102 billion for federal rail funding.
In addition to Quinn, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, Iowa Gov. Chet
Culver, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland
also attended the meeting in Chicago.
[Associated Press]
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed. |
