Annual Capital Investment to Create Jobs and Repair Infrastructure
BERWYN–(ENEWSPF)–August 23, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $100 million capital investment to address local transportation needs and put people to work throughout Illinois. The funding, which is part of the governor’s six-year, $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, will fund the repair of municipal, township and county infrastructure and improve public safety. Illinois Jobs Now! has created or supported more than 140,000 jobs since 2009.
“At a time when many states are cutting back on critical transportation and infrastructure projects, Illinois is moving forward,” Governor Quinn said. “This latest capital investment will provide local communities with the resources they need to move forward on immediate projects, while also paving the way for future improvements to create jobs and support economic growth.”
Today’s announcement allots the third of five, $100 million annual investments to fund municipal, township and county projects statewide. Projects will be selected and managed locally, with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) providing oversight.
“The third installment of capital funds for local transportation projects demonstrates our continued commitment to local governments,” Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider said. “We are proud to partner with local communities to improve the quality of life for residents, stimulate the economy, and help advance immediate road and bridge projects where needed the most.”
The local component of Illinois Jobs Now! is distributed to local governments based on the state motor fuel tax formula. Projects funded through this process include street and bridge maintenance, upgrades to traffic signals, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacement and pothole repairs.
A breakdown of the distribution of the $100 million by county, road district and municipality is available through an interactive map at www.dot.il.gov/fy2013/ and a complete list of projects is available at www.dot.il.gov/blr/mftbooklet.pdf.
Governor Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in state history. Of the $14 billion in the program dedicated for transportation needs, $11 billion has been spent on projects that have improved 6,900 miles of roads and 990 bridges. In addition, more than $1.7 billion in road construction projects are scheduled for 2013.
Source: illinois.gov
