By Lynn Sweet
SUN-TIMES WASHINGTON BUREAU

Date of Publication: October 4, 1999
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

WASHINGTON--Congress is poised to send to the White House a transportation funding package that shortchanges the CTA and city road projects while providing generous financing for suburban Metra stations.

The House on Friday approved on a 304-91 roll call a conference transportation report filed late Thursday night, leaving House members little time to consider provisions in a deal put together by House and Senate negotiators. The Senate is expected to approve the package today.

"This conference report virtually ignores the capital infrastructure needs of Chicago and Illinois," said Rep. William O. Lipinski (D-Ill.), a member of the transportation committee.

The poor showing for Chicago projects may mean a rethinking of the agenda forged by Gov. Ryan and Mayor Daley, with both political leaders backing urban and suburban transit programs. Also, having J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) in his position as speaker of the House did the city little good in securing federal transportation funding.

Among the amounts slated for key Chicago area projects:

Nothing for the rehabilitation of Wacker Drive.

• $7 million for the CTA to rebuild the Douglas Branch of the Blue line and the Ravenswood Brown line. The CTA asked for $95 million, but was really looking for $15 million. CTA Chairman Frank Kruesi said the CTA did win flexibility in how the agency can use the money and was "encouraged" about future funding.
• $8 million for Stevenson Expy. repairs; not the $55 million sought, but better than expected.
• $25 million for Metra extensions already on the drawing board; better than expected from the original $75 million request.
• $13 million for a helicopter rescue service based in Waukegan championed by Rep. John Porter (R-Ill.).