Kendall board supports Metra extension to Oswego
By Steve Lord slord@stmedianetwork.com August 13, 2012 5:48PM
A Metra train rolls by. | Sun-Times Media File
Updated: November 30, 2012 11:02AM
YORKVILLE — The Kendall County Board has voted its support — except for one member — for the extension of Metra commuter rail into Oswego and other parts of the county.
The resolution of support comes as no surprise, because county officials have long backed building a Metra station in Oswego, near Mill and Orchard roads.
County officials have been working with Metra on the station since 2000.
The board decided to show its support recently because Metra is in the midst of developing its first strategic plan in several decades. The rail board is gathering information from riders, the public and elected officials for the plan, which will guide the spending of capital dollars on Metra.
The resolution supports both the strategic plan and building Metra locations in Oswego and in other parts of the county.
The only board member to vote in opposition was Robert Davidson of Yorkville.
Davidson said that to get Metra into Kendall County, the county would have to belong to the Regional Transportation Authority. Joining the RTA means a referendum must be passed by county voters.
“If they come into the county, it will mean more taxes,” he said.
Board member Nancy Martin said it could mean more taxes, “but it doesn’t necessarily have to be.”
