Illinois May Receive Big Transit Bucks From Stimulus Package

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jan 29, 2009 8:00PM

Congress yesterday passed President Obama's controversial new stimulus package and in the process, the House tacked on an extra $3 billion for transit funds to the package ($12 billion for transit funding overall), bringing the total value of the package to around $825 billion. $1.5 billion of that extra money goes straight to the states. It seems the state of Illinois is in line to receive a fair chunk of that change: $105 million. Of that money, the Chicago area will see about $76 million and Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Chicago), one of the co-sponsors, is claiming victory.

Said Rep. Lipinski:

My amendment is a victory for Chicagoland residents. As Chicagoland’s only member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a life-long transit rider, I know and understand that transit is the lifeblood for our region. CTA, Metra and Pace can move ahead with long-delayed transit projects that mean real jobs for real people in our region and across this country.

And what of the remaining $1.5 billion extra? States will compete to win more money. We'd love to see Sen. Durbin go up against Arlen Specter in an American Gladiators-style obstacle course for the extra dough.

Image of Rep. Lipinski with the man sure to be his new BFF from Lipinski's website