April 4, 2001
For Immediate Release

Congressman Kirk Questions Transportation Secretary Mineta - Gets Commitment That Funding Agreement For Metra Will Be Forwarded In 60 Days

Washington, D.C. – During a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing held this morning, Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) questioned Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta about the timeline for forwarding the Metra funding agreement to Congress.

Secretary Mineta committed to Congressman Kirk that the Metra Full Funding Agreement, including the North Central rail line, would be forwarded to Congress in 60 days. The North Central rail line runs through Prospect Heights, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Prairie View, Vernon Hills, Mundelein and Libertyville. Under federal law, the Agreement must remain on Capitol Hill for an additional 60 days for review. It does not appear that the Full Funding Agreement will face any opposition once forwarded by Secretary Mineta.

"Secretary Mineta’s commitment is very good news for our three Metra projects currently awaiting funding approval," said Congressman Kirk. "In 120 days, the Department of Transportation should begin implementing full-funding for our Metra line projects, including the North Central rail line."

Kirk went on to question Secretary Mineta about continued funding for Metra in Fiscal Year 2003 (FY03). Secretary Mineta said no decisions have been made regarding FY03.

Congressman Kirk also asked Secretary Mineta for his help in preventing the implementation of train whistle legislation that would mandate the blowing of train whistles at all grade crossings nationwide. Kirk cited the differences in driving culture across the country as well the negative impact the noise pollution would have on our suburban communities. A recent study indicated that the increased noise pollution could negatively impact property values by as much as $1 billion in the 10^th Congressional District alone. Secretary Mineta committed to work with Congressmen Kirk and Lipinski (D-IL) on this matter.

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