Chicago, IL — The CREATE partners had the honor of providing Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-4), member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, a tour of CREATE projects on November 7, 2019. Emily Traiforos of GoRail joined the partners for the tour.
Congressman Garcia visited the Chicago Transportation Coordination Office (CTCO), Harlem Avenue Grade Separation (GS18, not started), Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad at 71st Street Grade Separation (GS14, completed in 2013), 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (P3 and GS19, in final design) and Englewood Flyover (P1, completed in 2016).
In addition to highlighting CREATE’s national importance, the partners relayed the local mobility, transit, education and workforce benefits associated with CREATE projects such as the Harlem Avenue Grade Separation and 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project.
“Everyone in our city needs transportation to get to school, go to work, or run a business,” said Congressman Garcia. “Yesterday the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program showed me their projects to improve our region. I got several ideas for my work on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Future of Transportation caucus I launched recently. Thanks to the CREATE Program for making our city better.”
Earlier this year Rep. Garcia’s congressional colleague David Price (NC-4), Chair of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations subcommittee, also participated in a CREATE Program tour while in Chicago. During that March 11 visit Congressman Price emphasized the importance of CREATE for national freight movement, noting that the economic strength of our nation depends upon efficient freight movement through Chicago’s railroad lines and yards.
The CREATE partners are excited by the national momentum surrounding the Program and look forward to working with Congressmen Garcia, Price and their committee colleagues to implement these important transportation improvements.
