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City documents show that Geneva officials are preparing to consider joining a regional alliance formed in response to a proposed railroad merger that could affect communities along the UP-West rail line.
Key things to know:
Merger driving the move: According to city records, the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger prompted the new regional effort, which is focused on monitoring the merger review process.
Shared regional response: Geneva would partner with Berkeley, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Winfield through the Western Chicagoland Merger Oversight Alliance, allowing communities along the same rail corridor to coordinate their involvement.
Local impacts noted: City documents cite concerns tied to rail service levels, safety, and the potential for increased freight traffic — all issues that could directly affect communities near the tracks.
Representation effort: The materials make clear the alliance is not intended to stop the merger, but to ensure local governments have a meaningful voice and access to expertise as the review proceeds.
City Council is expected to take up the issue at the January 20 meeting. View the agenda here.
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