Report: Midwest High-speed Rail Network Could Create $6.1 Billion in New Business and 42,000 New Jobs in Chicago
Monday, June 14, 2010
A study released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors outlines the economic impact of high-speed rail development on metropolitan areas across the US. The report examined job creation, the effects of improved market access, greater connectivity, travel time savings, as well as increased income and business sales and finds that Chicago stands to gain up to 42,000 new jobs and 6.1 billion in new business from the Midwest High-Speed Rail Network.
“This report emphasizes the opportunity here for Midwest high-speed rail will grow our economy while improving our environment. High-speed rail means good business for Chicago, improved mobility, reduced pollution and job creation,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
The report estimates that a Midwest high-speed rail network linking Minneapolis – Madison – Milwaukee, St. Louis, Detroit and other areas will being 3 million new visitors to downtown Chicago each year and will spur new commercial development around Union Station and other areas downtown.
The Environmental Law & Policy Center has worked for over a decade to build support for the Midwest High-Speed Rail Network. Progress toward Midwest high–speed took a major step forward when the Federal Railroad Administration awarded $2.6 billion to jumpstart construction of leading high-speed rail projects in the Midwest.
Click here for more information on ELPC’s high-speed rail program
Download the U.S. Conference of Mayors report here
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