$4.8M Secured For Kendall County Metra Commuter Extension

OSWEGO, IL — Rep. Lauren Underwood secured $20 million of a federal spending package for local projects, including $4.8 million for Metra's expansion into Kendall County.

The funding will go toward completing an environmental impact statement, serving as the next step in extending Metra into Kendall County, which is currently not served despite being the fastest-growing county in Illinois, according to Underwood's office.

Potential tracks have been identified along the BNSF tracks, extending from the end of the line in Aurora to Oswego, Montgomery, Yorkville, Plano and Sandwich, Patch reported.

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A study, conducted by the Kendall Extension Study Project Team in coordination with Metra, estimates the project would cost between $400 million to $700 million to construct the extension stations and would require yard and infrastructure improvements. Operations and maintenance would cost between $6 million and $14 million each year.

"From my first day in Congress, I have been focused on bringing federal resources home to northern Illinois," Underwood said in a statement. "I'm thrilled to secure more than $20 million in federal funding for the 14th District in this year’s funding package. By improving childcare, expanding access to health services, supporting local business owners, and keeping our neighborhoods safe, these resources will make sure our communities in the 14th are healthy, strong, and thriving."