The Rock Island County Board of Directors reiterated its strong support for the long-awaited Chicago-to-Moline passenger rail project in a unanimous resolution. The board aims to accelerate progress on the project by acting to address the ongoing federal funding lapse and the risk of missing regional economic opportunities.
This week’s decision further strengthens ongoing efforts to transform the project from a vision into a tangible reality. Board Chairman Richard “Quijas” Brunk said this is a critical time to rally public support. Brunk thanked local leaders, transportation agencies and business representatives who have championed this long-term project for the past 15 years.
The board’s core mission is clear: to stimulate economic development and significantly increase mobility for residents by connecting the Quad Cities region directly to Chicago. Chairman Brunk specifically noted that the collaboration demonstrated positions the region to make the most of this critical time.
Project Gains Political Momentum
Board Member Porter McNeil also emphasized the project’s potential beyond transportation benefits. McNeil noted that a Chicago-Moline rail link could boost regional tourism, support new business ventures and provide accessible and affordable travel options for all residents.
Last week, Illinois Acting Secretary of Transportation Gia Biagi also encouraged regional leaders to strongly support the investment publicly. Speaking during an infrastructure seminar hosted by the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal, Biagi reiterated the state’s commitment to the project.
In March, Moline officials held a press conference informing the public that federal funding for the rail line will expire in 2026. That sense of urgency is further fueling efforts by local governments and agencies to speed up the planning phase.
State Senator Mike Halpin, Representative Gregg Johnson and Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati presented three different development scenarios that could bring the project to fruition. The common thread among these scenarios is that aligning coordination at the city, state and federal levels is crucial to making the project viable.
The region is now at a critical crossroads, where, with the unified support and strategic action demonstrated, the Chicago-Moline rail project has the potential to transform from a long-standing promise into tangible progress.
