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* Press release…
As summer construction season ramps up, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today announced the fourth round of $250 million in Rebuild Illinois funded grants is available to advance municipal, township, and county projects across the state. With the latest round of grants, $1 billion in funding has now been distributed to address local transportation needs. The funding ensures that local governments can continue to invest in projects that sustain good-paying jobs and enhance quality of life for Illinois residents.
“In a sign that Illinois is overcoming years of dysfunction, we put together a bipartisan-backed Rebuild Illinois plan to build new roads and bridges and ports and airports and to fix existing ones. It’s the largest infrastructure investment in Illinois’ history. While other Midwestern states struggle to modernize, Illinois is passing them by. Already, our Rebuild Illinois plan has improved over 3,000 miles of highways, completed over 180 bridges, and launched hundreds more projects,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “But Rebuild Illinois isn’t just about building gleaming new state roads and bridges. It’s also about fixing local roads and bridges that make a big difference in people’s daily lives. Government ought to be all about making life better for our families and our communities right where we live. That’s why I’m so excited to be here in Champaign to announce $250 million in new grants for counties, municipalities, and townships – bringing our total funding for these grants through Rebuild Illinois to $1 billion.”
A total of $1.5 billion spread out in six installments is being invested over three years to advance municipal, township and county projects across the state. Projects include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from IDOT.
“At IDOT, there is no such thing as a federal road, a state road, a county road or a township road. They are all Illinois roads that the public depends on each day,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Because of the vision of Gov. Pritzker, Rebuild Illinois is making historic investments in our local transportation system. Working together with our partners, we are strengthening all modes of transportation across all jurisdictions.”
A complete list of local agencies and awards can be viewed here.
The funding is in addition to the regular contributions through the state’s motor fuel tax formula, which have increased due to Rebuild Illinois and already account for $706.5 million to local governments in this fiscal year alone.
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $33.2 billion into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs, and promoting economic growth. The landmark capital program is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first one that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
“This significant investment in new and improved infrastructure will allow our residents to travel safely and draw visitors to our area, helloing our whole community move forward from the pandemic,” said State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign). “Continued commitment to our state’s transportation and infrastructure system is critical to jump-starting the economy and putting us back on track.”
As part of its current FY2021-26 Proposed Highway Improvement Program, IDOT is investing a total of $21.3 billion to improve roads and bridges. Of that, $4.7 billion is identified for the local transportation system.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 11, 21 @ 9:54 am
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Previous Post: As gorgeous as it is, the Thompson Center’s function follows its form
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In a sign that Illinois is overcoming years of dysfunction, we put together a bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Plan…
Now the Governor wants to reverse all the policies that he promised Republicans to get their votes returning the partisanship and dysfunction to Springfield
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 11, 21 @ 10:44 am
=== Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois===
How many that voted against it… will find their way to “tout” needed monies now for projects… and then, surprisingly be there for the “pictures”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 11, 21 @ 10:47 am
This is great news and something for which a political party should be proud, especially this bipartisan capital bill. Too bad the ILGOP can’t craft itself around government providing widespread economic development as one of its central platforms. It’s not on the ILGOP website—only the usual tripe of low taxes, less government, etc. What’s the point of being a politician if not to tout and support your business, which is government?
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 11, 21 @ 10:55 am
@OW - “How many that voted against it… …then, surprisingly be there for the “pictures”"
A song lyric comes to mind… “tale as old as time…”
To the post, sort of: “Acting Transportation Secretary…” It’s been over two years and Omer is still “acting”. I know there are a lot of pressing issues these past two years but can he get a confirmation hearing sooner rather than later? In some ways this is indicative of one of the staffing problems at IDOT over the years… too many people placed in “acting” roles (officially and unofficially) for more than a year.
While it’s good to provide additional funds to improve (or restore) Illinois’ transportation infrastructure, I’m a bit concerned about available (and required) oversight.
Comment by From DaZoo Tuesday, May 11, 21 @ 4:01 pm