Buttigieg Visits Chicago, Doesn't Promise Infrastructure Funding

CHICAGO — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg used the long-awaited extension of Chicago's Red Line past 95th street as a reason to support President Joe Biden's proposed infrastructure package during his visit to the city on Friday.

Buttigieg was joined by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and nine other members of Congress to garner support for Biden's plan, which promises to rebuild the nation's railroads, airports and public transit options.

While the former presidential hopeful did not promise the extension as a designated project if the bill is passed, he did say increasing equity through public transit was the type of project the bill hopes to fund. Due to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan, the state and city stand ready to match federal dollars if the estimated $2.3 billion extension is chosen.

"When you think about equity — both in terms of who has access to transit and transportation, and who has access to the jobs that are created by new transit and transportation projects — we know we’ve got to do better," Buttigieg said.

The CTA also has plans in the works to make all of its 145 "L" stations accessible to those with mobility issues, which will cost an estimated $2.1 billion. Biden's plan is expected to at least fund efforts to convert the CTA's bus fleet to all-electric by 2040.

Following the CTA stop, Buttigieg visited a CSX rail yard in Bedford Park where he rode a charter bus with Pritzker and other members of Congress. The CSX rail yard is one the country's largest intermodal freight terminals.

Biden also spoke about the bipartisan deal during a visit to Crystal Lake where he talked about "human infrastructure," such as community college and increased child care.

Pritzker joined Biden in Washington, D.C., shortly after his visit to attend an infrastructure meeting at the White House. Pritzker did not get the opportunity to discuss Rebuild Illinois, but said he made clear to Biden that the state is "shovel-ready" for federal funding.