A message from DeKalb Mayor John Rey: "Thank you for reaching out with your concern for restoring passenger rail service to DeKalb. I am very sympathetic with the cause. I met with regional mayors and Mark Pietrowski (DeKalb County Chair) on a conference call with Metra. This unfortunately is a long term goal. As has been noted, it requires a multi-million dollar investment with need of grants. Metra indicated they are not at a point of embracing the funding of this extension of service. They were not encouraging of the short-term possibility. Expansion of Metra’s territory into DeKalb county would require a county-wide referendum for tax authority – not a likely prospect of passage. Metra was not encouraging of entertaining the possibility of expanding the territory. The conversation resulted in priority given to ground transport options to Elburn. DSATS has a transportation study underway with NIU and VAC. I am supportive of ground service as a short-term solution to access passenger rail service to DeKalb. Rail service would certainly be a positive contribution to quality of life here". Regards – John Rey