Illinois is one of the states that will compete for $2.4 billion in federal funding for high-speed rail. The funds are available after another Republican governor turned down federal funding. In December, Illinois received $42 million in funds after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Ohio Gov. John Kasich rejected the federal help. This time, the $2.4 billion is available because Florida Gov. Rick Scott said no to the funding. Illinois is using federal grants to build high-speed rail between Chicago and St. Louis.