Despite benefiting from past investments that have given it the second-longest commuter rail system in the US, investment has not kept up with the region’s needs. The Chicago Tri-State metro-region's competitiveness is being undermined in part by the growing inadequacy of its transportation infrastructure, which is typified by high rates of road congestion. Over 80% of the 4 009 stream miles assessed in Illinois are considered sufficiently polluted to prohibit primary human contact (e.g. swimming) (IEPA, 2010).