SPRINGFIELD — A coalition of Illinois business and labor groups is hoping for what would likely be an election year miracle in Washington D.C.
The Transportation for Illinois Coalition says the gridlocked Congress should approve a multiyear road and bridge spending plan to help upgrade Illinois’ transportation network and create thousands of jobs.
A six-year plan — rather than just a one-year extension of the current federal transportation program — could help finance major projects like the replacement of the Interstate 74 bridge in the Quad-Cities and the continued widening of U.S. 51 south of Decatur, the groups said Tuesday.
“These federal funds are a life line,” said Linda Wheeler, a former state transportation official who is now a consultant for the coalition.
In a report designed to prod the state’s congressional delegation to push for a long-term federal funding plan, the coalition said state roads are wearing out 33 percent faster than they are being repaired. The state also has a high number of structurally deficient bridges.
“Clearly, our roads, bridges and transit systems need attention in a major way, and they need it now,” said coalition co-chairman Doug Whitley, president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
Whitley said the coalition is not endorsing a specific plan, other than to say the federal government needs to increase its share of road and bridge building funds.
But, members of the coalition acknowledged that on-going partisan wrangling in Congress -especially during an election year – could stand in the way of getting a new, long-term program in place before the current federal funding plan expires in March.
“It’s a very difficult situation. But, the needs are not going away,” Wheeler said.
Group seeks federal funds for Ill. roads
Author: Kurt Erickson
Pantagraph.com
December 20, 2011
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