Governor Quinn Announces $100 Million Capital Investment in Local Transportation

CHICAGO – September 24, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn was joined by municipal officials from across the state today to announce a $100 million capital investment in local transportation needs as part of Illinois Jobs Now! The $100 million will be distributed to local officials so they can repair municipal, township and county infrastructure; improve public safety; and put people to work throughout Illinois. Chicago region counties, municipalities and road districts will receive $59 million. This includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.

“Communities throughout Illinois are in desperate need of road improvements and jobs, and this investment accomplishes both,” said Governor Quinn. “Communities all over the state will be able to repair roads, which will improve safety and stimulate local economies by putting more people to work.”

The initial $100 million investment, along with the subsequent five installments, will be distributed to local governments by the same formula as the Illinois Motor Fuel Tax. The first investment will boost municipalities’ normal distribution of the state fuel tax by 17 percent.

Projects will be selected and administered locally, but must meet the same eligibility requirements as those funded through the fuel tax. Qualified projects include: local street and bridge maintenance, new traffic signals, storm sewer and bike path construction, sidewalk replacements, and pothole repairs. For a complete list, visit www.dot.il.gov/blr/mftbooklet.pdf.

“Because of the leadership of Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly, IDOT is able to provide our cities, counties and townships with this first installment to address infrastructure needs and to stimulate the local economy,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “We are extremely proud to announce this opportunity and look forward to the impact it will provide for communities across the state.”

IDOT is currently leading Illinois’ largest road construction program in state history through Governor Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. From 2009 through the end of this year the state will have invested approximately $8 billion to repair or rebuild 4,800 miles of roads and 566 bridges. These projects are creating an estimated 155,000 short-term and permanent jobs.

For a complete listing of the funding distribution by county, road district or municipality, visit www.dot.il.gov/FY2011/map.aspx. Regional informational releases will be sent shortly.