GOVERNOR RELEASES ILLINOIS FIRST FUNDS FOR VILLA PARK TRANSIT STATION IMPROVEMENTS

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today released $107,000 in Illinois FIRST funds toward the design and construction of pedestrian access improvements at the Metra/Union Pacific Villa Park station.

"The improvements include a new sidewalk in the south commuter parking lot that will provide a safer, convenient route from the parking lot to the station," Ryan said. "This will encourage commuters to continue using mass transit and thus help reduce traffic congestion in the Chicago area."

Other improvements include design and construction of retaining walls and a new stairway to provide additional access to the outbound platform.

The Illinois FIRST grant comes from Operation GreenLight, a program that funds multi-modal transportation solutions to traffic congestion including transit improvement projects that attract more riders.