Quinn supports high-speed rail

[October 14, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn calls high-speed rail a "mission for America." The Democrat supports high-speed trains, including routes through Illinois, and says speedy trains would help make the country more energy-independent.

Quinn made his comments Monday in Springfield, where some residents oppose plans to run a high-speed rail route through the city.

Illinois is working to upgrade to high-speed status on the Chicago-to-St. Louis route, and Quinn says those plans shouldn't be blocked by local opposition. He says the state is willing to look at alternative proposals.

Quinn also touted efforts to get fast train service running from Chicago to the Quad Cities and Iowa's plans to build a train from Des Moines to the Quad Cities.

[Associated Press]

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