GALESBURG . . . Illinois State Representative Don Moffitt and Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza will host the second meeting of community leaders from Princeton, Kewanee, Galesburg, Macomb and Quincy to discuss shared opportunities to further promote ridership and economic development along the Carl Sandburg Amtrak line that connects the communities.  State legislators and community and industry leaders will gather Thursday, January 24, 2013 for a working lunch at 156 East Conference Center (156 East Main Street) in Galesburg to continue the initial progress of the first meeting.

Rep. Moffitt is optimistic about the potential of the group.  “I am excited to see the corridor move from idea to reality as we develop a plan of action. We will possibly organize committees for such things as same-day trips within the corridor, ways to better market the corridor and to begin working with the newly-formed KnoxCorps.  We may also put a formal leadership structure in place to officially continue our efforts.”

“In light of the pending expansion of Amtrak service through the Quad Cities, it is important that we continue to identify and develop rail passenger initiatives that further capitalize on the significant Amtrak connection shared by the current coalition communities with the possible future inclusion of the not only the QC area but potentially a rail commuter line to the Peoria area,” said Mayor Garza.

There will be a media availability following the meeting at 1:30 p.m.

###