Regarding the projected "Blackhawk" train from Chgo to Dubuque...

[Peregrine Took]

I know a lot of work still has to be done before it is up and running in terms of the tracks and station improvements but does anyone here
have an idea of when it will be a reality? 2012??

Due to the terrible financial problems with the State is it possible the plans might be scrapped all together and it might never happen?

I'm thinking about buying a house in Galena but I want to be sure the train will be going there in the next 2-3 years.

Thanks!

[mopinko]

1. i was told late next year, i think. i have friends there,

and am looking for a house there myself. i am mostly replying to see if anyone else knows. how we lost trains to the point where you can't take one from chicago to galena is nuts. i wonder how many trains there were back in the day.
haven't heard anything about funding problems. how much state money is in it?

[Peregrine Took]

2. I used to take the train to Iowa...

I went to school in Iowa, by the Mississippi River back in the '60s and went by train. It was a nice trip and and, as we didn't have a car, I couldn't have gone if there hadn't been a train. Some time between then and the late 80's the station was closed when I went back for a visit.

Re:funding - I'm just speculating that since money is so scarce these days - this might be affected, too. I hope not.

[rosesaylavee]

4. Ah, the train would have been nice...

I took the Greyhound from Elgin to Dubuque for school. Not so fine a ride but it got me there and back.

[Peregrine Took]

3. Here is a website, "Ride the Rail" regarding the train.

http://www.envision2010.org/ridetherail/