Associated Press | The state of Illinois has applied for $8 million in federal funds to help pay for planning regional high speed rail service. The Illinois Department of Transportation applied for the grant money.
The money would be used to begin designs for a 220-mph bullet train
between Chicago and St. Louis.

The Midwest High Speed Rail Association said it applauded Illinois officials, including Gov. Pat Quinn, for making high speed rail a priority.

The money would pay for the study of potential routes, the development of a business plan and an environmental review.

Rick Harnish is the executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association. Harnish says the bullet trains “are critical to reinventing the Midwest” and meeting the region’s environmental, energy and economic challenges.