Citing concerns that freight-train traffic already delays emergency vehicles and motorists in Des Plaines, aldermen voted 6-2 this week to rebuff a railroad industry group’s attempt to garner support for public investment in railroads.
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Emily Traiforos, field director for Go21, an Alexandria, Va.-based lobbying group funded by major railroads and their support industries, told the council Monday night that rail traffic is projected to increase 66 percent by 2020. Freight trains are an economically viable way to reduce traffic congestion and energy consumption by reducing the need for long-haul trucks, Traiforos said.
Go21, which stands for Growth Options for the 21st Century, has worked for about two years to get support from municipalities and industry groups for a “statement of principles” describing public benefits of railroad use and railroad-friendly public policies, Traiforos said.
A city staff report said that while an increased use of freight trains could reduce congestion, pollution and fuel consumption nationally, more trains could further impede local motorists without costly overpasses, underpasses and track improvements.
Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia said the railroads have so far declined to help fund an overhaul of the S-curve west of downtown, where rail lines cross over Northwest Highway. Des Plaines has agreed to fund the project, as have state and federal agencies, Arredia said.
“This is a bandwagon I don’t want to be part of,” Ald. Carla Brookman said.
Ald. Laura Murphy, who voted to support Go21 along with Ald. Don Smith, said an increase in rail traffic seemed “inevitable.”
“If we’re going to support you, then we need a trade-off” that includes help with infrastructure improvements, Murphy said.
Ald. Patricia Beauvais urged Traiforos to return with solutions.