Construction can now begin on the passenger rail line between Chicago and Moline. The Illinois Department of Transportation said Monday that it has reached an agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration and partner railroads. Officials say the more than $220 million project will create 2,000 jobs and be finished by 2014. About $177 million in federal money and $45 million in state money will fund the rail line.

The agreement includes arrangements with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad from Chicago to Wyanet and Iowa Interstate Railroad from Wyanet to Moline.  

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood says the rail line  will play a vital role in the country's transportation challenges 
over the next 40 years.