Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), along with U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), have announced that the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK) and the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District will receive a total of $25,415,095 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. MetroLINK will be awarded $10,000,000, while the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District will receive $14,415,095.
MetroLINK has secured funding to further expand its operations and maintenance center, allowing for the continued transition to battery-electric buses. The project includes the construction of battery-electric storage areas equipped with fire and hazard mitigation equipment, ensuring the safety of electric bus storage. Meanwhile, the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District will use its funding to purchase battery-electric buses to replace diesel-engine vehicles. This initiative is expected to lower emissions, improve safety, and offer more reliable transportation options to underserved communities in Peoria and surrounding areas.
Sorensen expressed that providing safe and affordable public transit options for their community is vital. The introduction of electric buses in Rock Island and Peoria will contribute to reducing their carbon footprint, resulting in a more sustainable future for their upcoming generations. “I’m pleased to witness the allocation of millions of our tax dollars being utilized to improve our communities, making them more livable, conducive for work, and ideal for starting a family,” Sorensen added.
Durbin stated that the awards would enhance the sustainability and dependability of transportation in Illinois. He expressed his satisfaction with the funding as Rock Island and Peoria Counties, and neighboring areas would benefit from better equipment and an increase in battery-electric buses. This development would make public transportation cleaner for the communities in the state. Durbin emphasized that this investment in Illinois’ infrastructure was substantial.
Duckworth expressed her satisfaction with the funding that will contribute to a cleaner and safer future for the state of Illinois, particularly the Quad Cities and Peoria. She emphasized the importance of increasing the number of low-emission and zero-emission buses to protect the health of communities. The senator also reiterated her commitment to working alongside Senator Durbin and Congressman Sorensen to secure the necessary federal resources for their constituents.
