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The purpose of the RFP is to provide capital assistance to communities,
railroads and shippers to preserve and improve rail freight service in Illinois.
The primary role of the program is to facilitate investments in rail service by
serving as a link between interested parties and channeling government funds to
projects that achieve statewide economic development. IDOT will generally
provide low interest loans to finance rail improvements and, in some cases,
provide grants. The focus is on projects with the greatest potential for
improving access to markets and maintaining transportation cost savings, and
where state participation will leverage private investments to foster permanent
solutions to rail service problems. A benefit/cost ratio is used to evaluate
potential rail freight projects. Requests for RFP funds should be sent to the
Bureau of Railroads (address following),
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and should include the following information:
- A general description of the project and a location map depicting the
beginning and ending points
- Benefits expected from the project (e.g., job creation and retention,
transportation saving, etc.)
- The name of the industries involved, and the name, title, address and
telephone number of the principal contact for the project
- An engineer's cost estimate, if available
For more information on this program, please contact:
Chief, Bureau of Railroads
Room 339
Illinois Department of Transportation
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62764
(217) 782-2835
FAX (217) 524-1889
TTY (217) 524-4875
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