Concerns About Canadian National Railroad Acquisition Voiced by Senators Durbin & Halvorson
During Visit to Frankfort
Over 125 people crowded around the EJ & E overpass at Route 45 in Frankfort on March 19 to listen to Frankfort’s Mayor Jim Holland, U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), State Senate Majority Leader and Democratic Congressional Nominee Debbie Halvorson, and Larry Walsh Will County Executive voice their concerns over the proposed acquisition of the EJ & E Railroad by the Canadian National Railroad.
Mayor Holland’s opening remarks highlighted the negative issues facing not only the Village of Frankfort, but the entire area with the increase in train traffic proposed by the acquisition. The increased traffic would “virtually end the possibility of the STAR Line passenger service along the EJ & E tracks. The STAR line has the potential to reduce pollution, to reduce overcrowding on our highways and to reduce imports of foreign oil by moving people from cars to commuter passenger rail service”, commented Mayor Holland.
Will County Executive Larry Walsh commented on the “collaboration and cooperation” required on a local, state and federal level regarding the acquisition and its issues.
“The Canadian National Railroad is one of the largest and most profitable in the U.S. However, they have only offered a total of $40 million for improvements to crossings and tracks. Local residents will be dealing with the consequences of this proposal for decades”, stated Senator Havorson.
Senator Durbin has been actively involved in negotiations with the Canadian Railway since it first submitted a proposal to acquire the EJ & E. The Senator commented “only two out of 140 railroad crossings are eligible for a change” with the proposed acquisition. We will stand by the Village of Frankfort for sensible rail traffic.”
“We thank County Executive Walsh, State Senator Halvorson and U.S. Senator Durbin for understanding that the proposed increase in rail traffic is more than just a local issue. We thank each of them for being here today”, commented Mayor Holland.
