Freight train passing through the west Lake Forest Metra depot in December 2016. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER/JWC MEDIA
The League of Women Voters-Lake Forest/Lake Bluff area urges residents to attend the forum on Monday, Dec. 19, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Gorton Community Center. The City of Lake Forest is providing information about the proposed track and speed changes in the railroad corridor. Information about the meeting can be found on the city’s website.
http://www.cityoflakeforest.com/chicago-milwaukee-amtrak-hiawatha-service-proposal-/
As the Federal Railroad Administration and Illinois Dept. of Transportation declined to hold a hearing in Lake Forest, the City is hosting its own forum. Speakers will lay out facts of the proposal and answer questions. The mayor also will give contact information for elected officials and what the next steps are. The mayor stated the proposal affects all of Lake Forest, not just immediate neighbors.
Lake Forest is the sole community in Lake County with three rail corridors. And this west side corridor is the only one used by three different train services: Metra commuter, Amtrak passenger, and Canadian Pacific freight. The corridor is congested.
A draft Environmental Assessment report was prepared regarding the Amtrak service, but many feel it does not provide enough information to judge the full impact of the proposed changes. Other communities and Metra already are asking for a more thorough study, called an Environmental Impact Statement.
With transportation being the largest contributor to climate change, the League is very interested in proposed service and infrastructure changes. Will the proposal protect, restore, and enhance the environment as outlined by the National Environmental Policy Act?
Submitted by the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, please visit the league’s website or follow it on Facebook. We welcome men and women of all ages to become members.
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