CHICAGO – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), joined leaders from Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) as part of his “Mike on the Move” initiative. The visit included a tour of the company’s new Elmhurst facility and a discussion about the infrastructure funding needs of Chicago’s manufacturing and rail sectors.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to tour Industry Railway Suppliers’ new Elmhurst facility and see firsthand the ways railways are growing their businesses and strengthening the regional economy,” said Rep. Quigley. “Here in Elmhurst, throughout the city of Chicago, and around the country, freight and rail transportation helps to create thousands of jobs and spur local economic growth. I look forward to continuing to engage with those present today and work in Congress to ensure that passengers and businesses have access to safe and efficient freight and rail service.”
“We are honored to host Congressman Quigley, a leader on transportation issues affecting the Chicago region, and to demonstrate to him our commitment to growing our business in Elmhurst,” said Industry-Railway Suppliers, Inc. President and REMSA Board Director Scott Commo. “Railroads invest tens of billions of dollars annually into their networks, supporting rail supply jobs across our country. It is critical our policy makers do not upset the delicate regulatory balance that enables this sustained private investment. We thank the Congressman for his continued support of Chicago’s rail community.”
The group spoke about the private nature of America’s freight railroad network, which does not rely on federal support for the expansion or maintenance of its right-of-way, unlike other modes of freight transportation. They also discussed recent bipartisan and bicameral introduction of the Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy (BRACE) Act, which is cosponsored by Rep. Quigley.
Rep. Quigley’s “Mike on the Move” initiative emphasizes how the federal government can support transportation and infrastructure investments. Previous “Mike on the Move” events highlighted rail infrastructure needs and expansions from Chicago Union Station and Amtrak, Chicago’s efforts to continue its bike-friendly initiatives through Divvy bike-sharing system, and highway transportation and clean energy needs through UPS at their headquarters in Hodgkins, IL. In January, Rep. Quigley spoke on the House Floor about the need to prioritize infrastructure spending and pass a comprehensive package that addresses all aspects of our connected infrastructure system.
Source: U.S. Representative Mike Quigley
