CN/EJ&E merger is boon for region

Franklin Park has been a major railroad hub for over 125 years. The proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway by the Canadian National Railway Co. will benefit Franklin Park and the entire Chicago region.

The Chicago Region Environmental And Transportation Efficiency program (CREATE) is a public/private partnership with the railroads, the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago. Collectively, they are actively pursuing solutions to improve the efficiency of the entire Chicagoland rail system.

Over the next 20 years, transportation analysts project that this region's need for freight service will double. CREATE is designed to increase the efficiency of all train movements throughout the area. Similar to the O'Hare International Airport expansion program finally under way after years of delay, CREATE must be implemented in order to maintain the Chicago region as the transportation hub of the U.S.

The proposed purchase of the little-used Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway by Canadian National Railway Company is not only within the scope of CREATE's vision, but utilizes CN's money, not taxpayers' monies.

Franklin Park recently completed a grade separation project at Grand Avenue, which has improved rail and vehicular efficiencies in the entire area. A recent publicity campaign stating concern for "bedroom communities that are home to the people who are the economic foundation of the greater Chicagoland economy" rings hollow with a self-perceived, elevated status in the socio-economic strata.

The communities now voicing local concerns should examine the regional impact on all of the Chicagoland communities and should be willing to financially participate in the ultimate resolution.

Daniel D. Pritchett

Village President

Franklin Park

CREATE Task Force Co-Chair

WCMC President