U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (D-Illinois 11th) recently discussed the economic impact of stimulus transporation bills in Normal, Illinois.

High speed rail, road improvements, lock and dam renovations -- all these items mean construction jobs for Illinois workers and a revitalized economy, according to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (D, Illinois 11th District).

The two made multiple appearances in Bloomington and Normal, Illinois on February 12. LaHood followed President Barack Obama’s recent announcement of $1.2 billion in high speed rail upgrades for Illinois, particularly the Chicago - St. Louis line, that passes through Livingston and McLean Counties. He praised McLean County for being prepared and showing a united front. LaHood told the local community that "This is a real cause for celebration."

He referred to the planned rail improvements as the "Obama/Biden transportation legacy." He compared Obama’s high speed rail efforts to President Dwight Eisenhower initiating the interstate highway system in 1954. LaHood said that road system was not built overnight, nor were all the routes even planned, but once the process began, communities developed.

In his remarks, LaHood saw the station stop in Normal as an integral part of a regional transportation hub, projecting feeder lines into Champaign and Peoria.

The two also commented on the pending Transportation bill, which is up for its five year renewal. There is high interest in the Congress to pass the bill for highway, bridge, pedestrian and rail upgrades, but the Congress is also struggling with how to pay for all necessary infrastructure upgrades. Both LaHood and Halvorson ruled out a gas tax increase, as politically unrealistic during a time of economic downtown.

LaHood also toured the Central Illinois Regional Airport and commented on needed air traffic control upgrades nationally.

Halvorson commented on the high speed rail allocation, which she supported with her vote: "An investment of this magnitude could not have come at a better time for Illinois. I’ve worked hard to make this a reality for my constituents, both because it offers another transportation option for our communities, and because we need the jobs.

"Whether I’m talking with local officials or my neighbors, people are excited about the prospect of bringing high-speed rail to our area. Small business owners can attract new customers, and continue to grow and create jobs. I will continue to fight for additional investments in not only high-speed rail, but other infrastructure projects that can spur development and grow jobs."

Halvorson, U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D) and Governor Patrick Quinn appeared in Normal on January 29 to announce the high speed rail initiative.