The Quad Cities needs a variety of well-funded transportation alternatives, including railroads, rivers, roads, recreation trails, and air service. That was the message today in Moline during a stop by the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of its state-wide listening tour.
Aaron Tennant, President of Tennant Truck Lines in Colona, says infrastructure is key for improving the economy, calling it the "genesis of job creation."
Another theme during the meeting was how to create a more reliable transportation system. Paul Rumler, Vice President of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, says projects such as passenger rail to Chicago will help bring jobs here and make connections across the state.
Representatives from businesses and agencies are concerned about the possible loss of jobs if the Illinois transportation budget is reduced. And they say there's a need for more commercial air service to the Quad City Airport.
The listening tour stop in Moline, led by Department Acting Secretary Randy Blankenhorn, was one of 39 stops throughout the state. He led a similar session in Galesburg this afternoon and once the tour is over, he'll report to the governor.
