Chicago is at the center of the largest trading areas in the world. We are the intermodal capital of North America, handling 14 million twenty-foot container units yearly, more containers than L.A./Long Beach (13.1 million) and 4 times as much as NY/NJ. One-third of our nation’s rail and truck cargo move to,
The quality of transportation and infrastructure has long been a major contributor to our region’s economic growth. But, delays and congestion in rail freight threaten the economic vitality of the region. That is why the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE), a public-private partnership between the nation’s railroads and state and local government, is a program critical to our region’s future.
A first-of-its-kind partnership, bringing together the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Association of American Railroads, CREATE is a project of regional and national significance, receiving tremendous support from lawmakers, public and private organizations and trade unions from across the U.S.
Last month, it was announced that CREATE will receive a $100 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
"Illinois has received the most TIGER funding in the Midwest. This investment will create 1,087 jobs and bring economic growth to our communities," said Governor Quinn. "With this grant and dedicated partnerships like CREATE, Illinois continues to work to ensure our rail industry is moving forward and our state is on its way to becoming the nation's next major rail hub."
The federal funds will greatly impact the regional economy, creating jobs and improving livability, sustainability and safety across the state. CREATE’S overall goals are to: reduce rail and motorist congestion, improve passenger rail service, enhance public safety, promote economic development, create jobs, improve air quality and reduce noise from idling or slow-moving trains.
"These CREATE investments are critical to securing the jobs and economic growth that come from being the nation's leading hub for both freight and passenger rail commerce," said Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.
As the City’s organization charged with attracting and retaining both domestic and international business in the Chicago area, WBC is an enthusiastic supporter of CREATE. The program will boost manufacturers’ competitiveness and encourage long-term job growth in Illinois and nationwide. The total economic benefit of the CREATE program is estimated to be 17,000 jobs sustained and $2 billion in annual economic production within two decades.
In this global economy, our region is increasingly interrelated within the local, national and international marketplace. The significant investment in rail infrastructure improvements through the CREATE project will bring substantial national, regional and local economic benefits, which are critical to the competitiveness and efficiency of business throughout the nation.
For more information on the CREATE Program, visit www.createprogram.org.
