Date of Publication: March 31, 1999
Source: Chicago Tribune

A group of local Latino politicians called on state legislators Tuesday to allocate state funds needed to match federal funds for repairs to the Douglas branch of the CTA's Blue Line.

The politicians, including Ald. Daniel Solis (25th), state Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago) and state Sen. Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago), said they plan to lobby legislators in Springfield next month.

"The Blue Line is a link, not only between our neighborhoods and downtown Chicago, but is a vital resource for jobs, economic growth and further development," Solis said.

Acevedo also has sponsored a resolution calling on both parties to work together to address the funding issue.

Last week, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) submitted a formal request for $77 million in needed federal funds for the Douglas Branch of the Blue Line, calling it a "urgent priority."

CTA officials recently threatened to shut down the line within five years if they did not receive the state funds needed for repairs. They said they need $138 million in state funding for Douglas Blue Line and Ravenswood Brown Line repairs.

Community groups from the Pilsen, Little Village and Lawndale neighborhoods recently protested possible plans to shut down the train line.