News Releases
| RMAP Applies for Federal Grant to Assist with Regional Infrastructure Projects | |
Rockford's poor regional economy could receive federal assistance to preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery with a significant investment in transportation infrastructure. In september, leaders of the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning presented an overview of a "Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery", or "TIGER Discretionary Grant", requesting $71.4 million from the Department of Transportation. The details outlining the opportunity to apply for "TIGER Discretionary Grants" were announced last May. "We knew what was being described as eligible projects fit many of the region's objectives", said Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton, Chairman of the RMAP policy board. "Our application reflects a compilation of several economic development strategies and years of planning. Much of what is included in the application is included in the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, with much greater detail to funding requirements for implementation", said Brereton. The RMAP plan calls for the return of Amtrak inter-city passenger service which will serve the urban core of both downtown Rockford and downtown Belvidere, operational as soon asNovember 2011. Additionally the Rockford region has been working on commuter passenger service since 2001, and has been working through the FTA New Starts process since 2004. The region has advocated for co-location of both Amtrak service and commuter service as the most prudent expenditure of public funds. Common to both services are passenger stations in the downtowns of Rockford and Belvidere. The freight rail transportation investments proposed for the Rockford MSA are focused on strengthening the supply chains among regional industries. RMAP officials anticipate employment growth and strengthening of the industrial base will take place within the investment areas. |