DICK DURBIN TO LVEJO

Ms. Michael Pitula

2856 S Millard Ave

Chicago, IL 60623

Dear Ms. Pitula:

Thank you for contacting me in support of transportation and infrastructure funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1). I appreciate hearing from you and share your support for this important priority.

The United States is facing its deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression. The state of Illinois has been hit hard by this economic downturn, with the loss of nearly 1,200 jobs per day in January 2009. The hardworking people of Illinois and the nation need swift federal action to move our economy back on the right track, create jobs for Americans, and invest in our nation’s future.

As a first step, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and President Obama signed the measure into law. The bill makes bold investments in transportation and infrastructure projects that can be initiated quickly. This legislation will put Illinoisans to work immediately rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, making significant investments in water projects throughout the state, and enabling the creation of a stronger and more efficient transportation infrastructure for the 21^st century economy.

The legislation provides:

· $27.5 billion for highway investments

· $8.4 billion for public transportation

· $1.3 billion for investments in our air transportation system

· $9.3 billion for rail transportation, including Amtrak, High Speed and Intercity Rail

In addition, $3.1 billion has been allocated for the repair, restoration and improvement of public facilities on public and tribal lands, and $6 billion has been allocated for drinking water infrastructure improvements.

Ridership on passenger rail and public transit has reached record-breaking levels, yet the infrastructure is barely able to accommodate the increased usage. Highways and bridges also are in desperate need of investment, as well. I will work for prompt implementation of the recovery package and other efforts to improve our public infrastructure.

Thank you again for writing. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator

RJD/cw