Chicago Secures Funding for Southside L Extension

Chicago was awarded a $1.9 billion grant to expand its rail system into South Side neighborhoods by the Federal Transit Administration weeks ahead of President Biden leaving office, according to an Associated Press article.

The money will go toward a $5.7 billion project that will add four new stations to the L system. Cities and agencies are scrambling to secure funding created by the American Rescue Act and other Biden-era infrastructure programs before the new administration has a chance to reverse course. Once funding is allocated, the Trump administration would have a hard time clawing back the money, the article notes.

The new stations will bring much-needed transit access to historically underserved neighborhoods and could spur economic development along the new line. The Chicago Transit Authority expects to begin construction on the extension in late 2025.