Durbin Discusses Economic Development, Infrastructure With Greater Springfield Chamber Of Commerce

Durbin Discusses Economic Development, Infrastructure With Greater Springfield Chamber Of Commerce

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today meet with members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in his Washington office to discuss economic development and infrastructure investment in Central Illinois. During the meeting, Durbin and the local leaders spoke about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which Durbin has helped secure more than $247 million in federal funding to complete. Durbin also received an update about infrastructure projects the City is undertaking, as well as projects at Lincoln Land Community College, and Public Schools District 186.

Durbin also received an update on Southern Illinois University's (SIU) efforts to expand its classrooms and laboratories. In Fiscal Year 2023, Durbin secured $1 million in federal funding for SIU's Institute for Rural Health to address the health care needs and reduce health disparities in Illinois' rural communities.

"Today I heard from local leaders from the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce about progress on the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will better connect passengers from St. Louis and Chicago to Central Illinois while creating jobs and reducing rail congestion," Durbin said.

Earlier this month, Durbin announced $1.35 million that he secured for Springfield projects through Congressionally Directed Spending-more commonly known as earmarks-in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding bill. Of this funding, $900,000 will go to the City of Springfield to replace a 95-year-old water main on South Seventh Street between East Capitol Avenue and East Allen Street. The water main serves the historic downtown Springfield area, including Lincoln's Home Visitor Center, the Illinois State Police Memorial Park, Springfield Clinic, and the Elijah Iles House in Sangamon County. The other $450,000 of the funding will go toward improving the Lincoln Home Visitor Center, including accessibility enhancements and updates to the public restrooms, welcome desk, exhibits, and theaters.

Photos of the meeting are available here.

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