Senator Collins’ $21.5 million METRA Project to serve Auburn Gresham

Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and Ill. Sen. Jacqueline "Jacqui" Collins announce new Auburn Park METRA Station and were joined by Congressman Bobby Rush (D1), Alderman Latasha Thomas (17th Ward), Rev. Michael L. Pfleger and other community and civic leaders.
Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and Ill. Sen. Jacqueline "Jacqui" Collins announce new Auburn Park METRA Station and were joined by Congressman Bobby Rush (D1), Alderman Latasha Thomas (17th Ward), Rev. Michael L. Pfleger and other community and civic leaders.

State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago 16th) stood with Governor Pat Quinn and other high-ranking officials on Saturday to announce the building of a new South Side Metra stop on the Rock Island Line. This project is the culmination of a 5-year effort in which Senator Collins lobbied, fought and advocated for the $21.5 million in state capital funds. “The people of Auburn Gresham and adjoining communities deserve this opportunity; the opportunity for job creation, community engagement and economic development,“ said Collins.

Located on 79th Street, the Auburn Park station will connect Metra’s Rock Island Line to the busy 79th Street bus route. The 79th Street bus line is the city’s busiest, and the project will finally connect this vital transit artery via Metra to points north, south and southwest.

“The Auburn Park Metra station will be more than an added convenience to commuters. This station holds the promise of economic rebirth for this area and it is a crucial step in the direction of equalizing infrastructure investment across all our communities,” said Collins.

Construction of the station is expected to begin in the spring of 2015. Metra’s Rock Island District Line extends from LaSalle Street in Chicago to Joliet. “Access to transit and economic development are two of the catalysts needed for continued recovery in the neighborhoods I represent,” Collins said. “It is always an honor to serve as a voice for my communities, and I have high hopes for this exciting investment we have secured.”

Other partners and supporters included Alderman Latasha Thomas (17th Ward), Rev. Michael L. Pfleger (Faith Community of St. Sabina), Carlos Nelson (Greater Auburn Gresham CDC), Representatives Mary. E. Flowers (D31) and Andre Thapedi (D32) and Congressman Bobby Rush.

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