Cantwell said among other potential users of the MetroLink extension could be some of the 500 people who work at the airport, including some at a Boeing manufacturing facility and a produce warehouse.

The $45 billion Illinois construction program, requested by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, also includes funds for roads, bridges, schools, prisons and other public works. Big outlays also are planned for mass transit and railroads in metro Chicago and other parts of the state.

The package will be paid for, in part, by a doubling of the state gasoline tax to 38 cents per gallon, which will increase in the future with inflation.

The measure also will be funded by increases in vehicle registration fees and cigarette taxes and by revenue from legalized sports betting and casino expansion.

Roach said more precise information on timing for the Metro East extension depends on details yet to be announced by the Illinois Department of Transportation on when funds will be distributed for the overall construction package.

Kern and Cantwell said in addition to a new MetroLink station at MidAmerica, it’s possible that a station could be added along the extension route on the north end of Scott Air Force Base if Congress approves a proposal to pay for a new Scott gate.