Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced federal support through the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to help spur economic development on Chicago’s South Side. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will receive $800,000 through FTA’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) to create an economic development plan for the 95th Street Corridor on Chicago’s Far South Side.
“No matter their zip code, Chicagoans deserve easier access to public transit and the benefits of transit-oriented development in their neighborhoods,” Duckworth said. “I commend the CTA’s efforts to help ensure communities that were historically disenfranchised can benefit from economic development, and I’m pleased they are receiving this critical federal support.”
“This federal funding is an investment in Chicago’s transit system and its neighborhoods,” Durbin said. “Transit-oriented development projects improve quality of life for residents, giving more people easy access to jobs, school, and recreational activities. Senator Duckworth and I will continue supporting robust investments in our state’s public transportation infrastructure.”
“The recently reconstructed 95th/Dan Ryan Terminal was conceived not only as an important transit hub, but also a new landmark and anchor for the community,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. “Investments in transit can be a catalyst for neighborhood improvements and thanks to the crucial support of Senator Duckworth, we have the means to work with members of the community and our supporting partners to help prepare and advance plans to revitalize and redefine the gateway to Chicago’s Far South Side.”
The proposed 95th Street Corridor is an approximately two mile stretch from Halsted Street to South Cottage Grove Avenue. This comprehensive planning project will provide support for Equitable Transit Oriented Development along the corridor, which is home to multimodal transit projects including the Red Line Extension, the 95th Red Line Terminal Reconstruction, Metra 95th Street Station and Pace Pulse Halsted Rapid Transit Line.
The FTA’s Pilot Program for TOD Planning helps support local communities by providing funding to integrate land use and transportation planning with capital investment.
-30-