The General Assembly declares that the welfare, health, prosperity, and moral and general well-being of the people of the State are, in large measure, dependent upon the sound and orderly development of municipal areas. The Southwest Suburban area, by reason of the location therein of vital roadways and their use for vehicular travel in access to the entire southwest metropolitan Chicago area, as well as commercial and industrial growth patterns and accessibility to manufacturing and freight-related facilities, has become and will increasingly be the hub of transportation from all parts of the region and throughout the southwest metropolitan area. Motor vehicle traffic, pedestrian travel, and the safety of both motorists and pedestrians are substantially aggravated by the location of railroad grade crossings. Additionally, certain development opportunities may exist in the project area that would stabilize and enhance the tax base of existing communities, maintain and revitalize existing commerce and industry, and promote comprehensive planning within and between communities. The presence of the railroad grade crossings are detrimental to the orderly expansion of industry and commerce and to progress of the region. To alleviate this situation it is necessary to relocate the railroad tracks, to separate the grades at crossing, to acquire property for relocation or submergence of the railroad or highways, to create an agency to facilitate and accomplish that relocation, and to direct infrastructure and development improvements in the Southwest Suburban area.