JOLIET, Ill. – State Senator John Millner attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new CenterPoint Intermodal Center on Thursday, calling it an opportunity to create jobs and stimulate the Illinois economy.

“At a time when Illinois faces a rising unemployment rate, it’s good to celebrate private investment that’s bringing jobs to our state,” Sen. Millner (R- Carol Stream) said. “Being able to improve our rail infrastructure while providing new employment opportunities helps us tackle two challenges at once.”

Sen. Millner was the chief co-sponsor of legislation, Senate Bill 1342, to enable the center in Joliet to be built. 

Union Pacific Railroad’s new intermodal terminal is a $2 billion project that will create more than 16,000 new jobs in the state. The center will enhance the nation’s freight capacity and ease congestion along Chicago’s rail yards.

“What really impresses me are the extensive conservation and ‘green’ features of the center,” Sen. Millner said. “The efforts to preserve wildlife and strive toward sustainability shows just how much thought has gone into making this a beneficial project in all aspects.”

Of the 3,900 acres, 795 acres will be used for an energy-efficient facility and another 800 acres will be preserved as a conservation area. Additionally, the park will have more than 20-million square feet of modern manufacturing and warehouse area with “green” features.