Illinois passes state transit bill, including funding for Moline-to-Chicago passenger rail

MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) - Illinois lawmakers approved a $1.5 billion transit funding package Thursday night which includes funding for the Moline-to-Chicago passenger rail.

On Friday, Quad-Cities area leaders are gathering to celebrate the passage of the funds and to share next steps for the rail project, according to a media release.

This comes after Quad-Cities community leaders formed a Rock Island County Passenger Rail committee to help generate support for the Passenger Rail project within the Quad-Cities region and beyond.

The committee spoke before the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield about the funding for the railway.

The Moline Mayor Sangeeth Rayapati, Rock Island County Board Chair Richard “Quijas” Brunk, Sen. Mike Halpin and Rep. Gregg Johnson spoke at the Q in Moline about the progress.