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Winnebago Township Residents Protest Great Lakes Basin Railroad Proposal

Great Lakes Basin Transportation, Inc.

Hundreds of Winnebago Township residents protested the latest proposal for the Great Lakes Basin Railroad.

The 260-mile route would pass through several parts of Winnebago County in order to bypass Chicago freight traffic.  However, the Rockford Register-Star reports residents are concerned the route could pass through their farmland or have a negative effect on wildlife. 

Thursday's rally was led by farmer Vicky Rowley, and the crowd included Winnebago Township Supervisor Leslee Dimke, as well as Democratic County Board Chairman Candidate John Nelson.  Rally speakers compared railroad opponents to "David fighting Goliath.  

The current railroad proposal is 21 miles shorter than the original route.  That was changed after vocal protests in Boone County.  

An information session on the proposed rail route will be held Tuesday night at Winnebago High School.  

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