Whether it's for work or just fun, many of us spend our tanks, tolls and time on the Interstate, commuting between Rockford and Chicago. And now, the Stateline is on track to make that commute by rail.

Members of the Northern Illinois Commuter Transportation Initiative (NICTI) want to restore Stateline rail by connecting Rockford to the Elgin/Big Timber station, with stops in Huntley, Marengo and Belvidere. That doesn't include the Rockford Airport.

"If we make the commitment to go forward how we might be able to partner with other folks between here and Chicago to support not only Winnebago and Boone but McHenry and other counties that might be able to support our efforts," says Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey.

The plan is very similar to the Amtrak proposal approved a few months ago. That train would go from Chicago to Rockford, Galena and Dubuque. Money is the biggest issue, since the predicted ridership is not enough for the Federal Government to chip in. Some think freight would generate revenue, others are counting on a long-awaited Capitol Plan to prevent asking taxpayers to foot the bill.

"With our property tax rate and our sales tax rate that's gonna be difficult to me the best option is to join Amtrak get this capitol plan so those dollars come through and we'll put together a local match," says Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen.

Track improvements for Amtrak are much cheaper than commuter rail, since those trains move more slowly. But if the track could take both day and business travelers, many feel frequency is worth the extra money.

If a capitol plan is approved, rail construction wouldn't be complete for at least five-to-seven years. Members of NICTI will be meeting with our State and Federal Representatives next month to discuss other funding opportunities.