Illinois to head multi-state procurement of high-speed locomotives

[DJ MC]

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected Illinois to lead a multi-state procurement of next-generation locomotives for high-speed rail service, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced yesterday.

With consent from partnering states, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will lead the effort to procure at least 35 next-generation diesel locomotives for high-speed passenger trains on behalf of the states of Illinois, California, Michigan, Missouri and Washington, Quinn administration officials said in a prepared statement.

"This important multi-state procurement is key to success for high-speed rail throughout the nation, and I have directed my administration to move forward quickly," said Quinn.

The FRA allocated $808 million to build the next generation of high-speed passenger-rail equipment, including 35 new locomotives and 130 bi-level rail cars. IDOT will manage and oversee the procurement, involve the other states in planning and implementing the procurement process, develop a detailed project plan, and coordinate the review of the procurement among the states and FRA, Illinois officials said.

 

Source: Read more over here

 

Looks we will have an idea of what will replace the Dash 8s and Genesis locomotives.