Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Rockford Public Transportation Expansion

ROCKFORD- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Acting Secretary Gia Biagi and local leaders to celebrate the ongoing construction of the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) expansion project, which strengthens the State’s infrastructure network and improves public transit. The RMTD has been awarded a total of $39.4 million from the Illinois Department of Transportation for this project as part of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Grant Program.

“Whether commuting to work, visiting friends and family, or running their everyday errands – the convenience and efficiency of our transit systems is essential to the day-to-day lives of our people,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With funding from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Grant Program, these facility upgrades are supporting reliable transit and accelerating sustainable economic growth here in Rockford and across Winnebago County. Our state and local partnership is more important than ever, as the White House is withholding crucial infrastructure dollars and preventing progress on projects across the nation. In Illinois we are fighting to ensure we get every dime so we can deliver to our people what they’re owed.”

“We are proud to work with Rockford to get them the tools and resources they need to deliver projects that keep their residents safe and connected while helping Illinois strengthen its role as the transportation hub of North America,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Modern, reliable and efficient transit is an essential piece of a multimodal network that gives Illinois a competitive advantage. Under the leadership of Gov. Pritzker, we are excited to celebrate this investment and look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future.”

IMPROVING TRANSIT IN ROCKFORD

The RMTD expansion project will use $32.6 million to renovate their current vehicle storage and maintenance facility located at 520 Mulberry Street in coordination with the City of Rockford. The new facility and upgraded storage areas will provide sufficient space to accommodate current and future fixed route vehicle storage needs, while integrating battery electric charging infrastructure into the facility to support the district’s current and future battery electric fixed route vehicles. The renovations also include increased training space, meeting rooms, and amenities for transit employees.

The additional $6.8 million will fund new alternative fuel buses and vehicles, as well as supply the RMTD with equipment to reduce energy consumption and harmful emissions across the fleet.

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state's transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION STOPPING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Today’s visit is the third stop of the Governor’s Standing Up for Illinois Tour, where he is traveling across the state to shed light on how the Trump Administration’s extreme agenda and is hurting working families, farmers, veterans, seniors, and other Illinoisians.

Today’s focus on infrastructure highlights the benefit of State investments as the Trump Administration is withholding federal grants Illinois is owed and stalling the multiple projects to improve taxpayers’ roads, transit, bridges, and rail lines. Currently, the Trump Administration has blocked Illinois from accessing $826.4 million in federal infrastructure funds allocated by Congress.

Throughout the tour, Governor Pritzker will showcase how strong, responsible fiscal leadership has enabled Illinois to achieve balanced budgets and economic growth while supporting working families.

STRONG SUPPORT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVMENTS

“The State of Illinois’ investment in this project will help ensure RMTD has sufficient space to store, fuel, charge and maintain its current and future fleet of vehicles. This investment will also help ensure RMTD is able to continue to provide our residents with reliable transit access to jobs, educational opportunities, healthcare, retail, and other essential services in our community,” said RMTD Executive Director Michael Stubbe.

“The investment in Rockford’s transit infrastructure is a game-changer for our community. Expanding and modernizing RMTD’s facility will not only improve efficiency and service but also position us for a more sustainable future with electric vehicle integration,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “We’re proud to partner with RMTD and the State of Illinois to enhance transportation options for our residents.”

"I am very excited about this major investment into the Rockford region’s public transportation system that will ensure that the Rockford Mass Transit District’s investment into electric and hybrid fixed route vehicles as well as its paratransit vehicles will be met with adequate space to house and operate their fleet effectively,” said State Rep. Maurice West. “High quality public transportation is essential to meeting the needs of underserved communities and some of our most vulnerable residents, and it is my sincere belief that through investments like this one, we are better positioned to improve public transportation services and meet the needs of our community.”

“Investments in our public transportation network are an investment in our community’s future,” said Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford). “Rebuild Illinois continues to support local jobs, strengthen our infrastructure and modernize our transit capabilities. I appreciate the advocacy from state and local leaders to get this done as we help move RMTD forward.”

“Upgrading transit systems is essential if we want reliable and efficient services for riders. I’m thrilled to see the results of the expansion project that will help Rockford’s local economy and keep us moving forward,” said State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The continued investments in the Rockford Mass Transit District show we are dedicated to improving transportation needs all over the state.”

"The RMTD expansion project represents a win-win for our community, creating good-paying jobs for our skilled tradespeople while modernizing Rockford's transportation infrastructure for generations to come," said Alan Golden, President, Northwestern Illinois Building Trades. "We thank Governor Pritzker for his commitment to investing in projects that strengthen our workforce and our communities."

"We're grateful to Governor Pritzker for recognizing that investing in transit means investing in both the essential workers who keep our community moving and the thousands of Rockford residents who rely on these services to access jobs, healthcare, and education," said Sara Dorner, President, Rockford United Labor, AFL-CIO.

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