Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) applauded Union Pacific Railroad’s investment of nearly $15 million in Metro East and Mt. Vernon rail projects.  Union Pacific operates on tracks built and maintained by the company without using taxpayer funding.

“Union Pacific continues to invest millions of dollars in critical rail infrastructure in Southern Illinois,” said Rep. Bost.  “These important railway enhancements will help meet the needs of a growing local economy, while improving efficiency and transit safety.”

“We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily,” said Donna Kush, Union Pacific Vice President—Public Affairs, Northern Region.  “Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment.”

Union Pacific's planned investment of $78.8 million in the state of Illinois includes:

• $8.2 million investment in the rail line between East St. Louis and Chester to replace more than 60,000 railroad ties and install 27,000 tons of rock ballast; and
• $6.6 million investment in the rail line between Mt. Vernon and Whittington to replace 13 miles of rail.