Catching Up With Quigley: Week of May 27
Dear Friend,
I hope you have had a good week. I wanted to share an update on the work I did this week while back home in our district.
1. Visited the CREATE Program's Forest Hill Flyover Site
On Thursday, I had a chance to tour the construction site for the Forest Hill Flyover, one of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program's many projects. The Forest Hill Flyover is one of the largest within the CREATE Program and I am proud to have helped secure a $132 million grant in 2018 to get it off the ground. By constructing the Forest Hill Flyover, we are eliminating a rail crossing, and in the process, eliminating the possibility of a train collision in Chicago. This project not only exemplifies the ways we can make our rail network safer, it also embodies the heavy investment and partnership needed to make it happen. CREATE is the gold standard of a successful public-private partnership in our country. Their mission is to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of freight, commuter and intercity passenger rail and reduce highway delays in the Chicago area.
2. Checked in on Renovations at Pulaski and Sheil Parks
This week, I visited the site of two local projects that I have been proud to see receive funding. Earlier this year, I secured $3 million in federal funding to cover much-needed repairs and renovations at Sheil and Pulaski parks. For Pulaski, the Chicago Park District is working to renovate the historic fieldhouse and other park facilities. With the facilities offering over 80 programs and serving 2,000 patrons, restoration ensures that the buildings remain safe and energy-efficient for community use. At Sheil, the park district will also be repairing the fieldhouse, including a new roof, masonry, and lintels. Restoration of this facility improves the safety and accessibility of the facility, which offers over 300 programs and serves close to 5,500 patrons.
3. Joined FOX 32 to Discuss Community Project Funding and Chicago Pizza Superiority
On Thursday, I joined FOX 32 to discuss the 15 local projects I have submitted to the Appropriations Committee for funding consideration. Each one of these projects will have a positive impact on residents across our district. These projects will help mitigate urban flooding, keep our first responders safe, renovate our transit and housing infrastructure and so much more. I look forward to seeing these projects approved and hopefully signed into law.
During my interview, we also discussed the current debate between lawmakers regarding the best pizza in the country. I shared my emphatic support for Chicago pizza as the best pizza in the nation. With everything from pizza to hot dogs, Italian beef and more, I am lucky to represent a district with some of the best eats in America.
To watch the full interview, click HERE.
Don't forget, our office is always here to help.
You can call my DC office at (202) 225-4061 or my Chicago office at (773) 267-5926. You can also email me through my website at Quigley.house.gov/contact.
Sincerely,
Mike Quigley