The expansion of US Highway 20 is critical to the economic growth of northwest Illinois and to the safety of motorists traveling this fifty-mile stretch between Freeport and Galena. This section of Highway 20 is the only two-lane stretch between Interstate 35 in Iowa and Chicago. Through the expansion of US Highway 20, communities from the Mississippi River to Rockford will benefit from economic growth and job creation.

Fiber Optic: Rural Broadband Initiative

The economic future of many rural towns in the 45th District and the ability to keep young and educated talent in our communities may depend on the availability of high-speed broadband access. The benefits of broadband span many areas including business, education and health care.

In many of the same ways which electricity was delivered to rural areas in the 1930's, rural broadband should be an available and reliable utility. Broadband is critical to community and economic development. Furthermore, it helps existing business, creates an environment for entrepreneurism and innovation, and creates new jobs.

Savanna Army Depot
The Savanna Army Depot, located on the bank of the Mississippi River in Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties, is a Midwest economic gem waiting to be developed.

The 13,000 acre installation was opened by the US Army in 1917 and closed in 2000 under the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC). Originally a testing and proofing ground for cannons and munitions, the depot was converted to a storage facility in 1921. As a consequence of the facilities mission, there are severe issues surrounding the contamination of soil and ground water.

The depot has potential to become a regional economic engine by utilizing its position on the BNSF railroad mainline, which stretches from the Pacific Northwest to Chicago, and its position on the Mississippi River. Out of the 13,000 acres, 10,000 are reserved as a fish and wildlife refuge while 3,000 acres has been designated for economic development.

I support the creation of the Upper Mississippi River International Port District which would operate under a port authority to develop and execute a master development plan. With a strong partnership between private and public interests and local, state and federal cooperation, the Savanna Army Depot can become a long term investment which brings regional jobs and economic development for years.

Amtrak

The need and desire for mass transportation in northwest Illinois is growing in large part due to greatly increased fuel prices, added congestion on our interstates, and a more environmentally conscious public. AMTRAK services continue to receive increased attention and funding within Illinois and nationally.

By expanding AMTAK services from Chicago to the Quad Cities and from Chicago to Dubuque, Iowa, we will bring reliable mass transportation to the 45th District. This expansion will need equal participation from the federal, state, and local governments.

The cost of upgrading tracks and the physical equipment such as engines and cars should be the responsibility of the federal government. The cost of the day-to-day operations of the routes in the way of fuel, maintenance and personnel, should be subsidized by the state until which time a profitable route can fund itself. Finally, the cost associated with stations within our communities should be that of the community itself. The platform, depot, and depot staff would rest on the community which is serviced by the stop.

Through this shared funding mechanism, and through leadership as an elected official, I will work with local players already promoting this plan, and with my colleagues in Springfield, to ensure AMTRAK services continue down the track to success.