(Chicago, IL) — April 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday unveiled a new multi-year, multi-billion road and bridge construction plan that will create 155,000 jobs, according to the governor.
The $11.5 billion plan, which covers fiscal years 2012 through 2017, aims to upgrade 3,248 miles of road and replace or rehabilitate 611 bridges. In the upcoming fiscal year, starting on July 1, 2011, the state is expected to improve 490 miles of road and 105 bridges.
“The last two construction seasons have been the busiest in Illinois’ history,” said Quinn. “This plan will ensure that we continue this momentum in 2012 and beyond.”
Of the $11.5 billion program, $7.2 billion is from federal funds and $3.6 billion from state funds, including $2 billion through the six-year, $31 billion capital program approved by Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly in 2009.
That plan was declared unconstitutional by the 1st District Appellate Court in Chicago in January, claiming the plan’s multiple funding streams violated the state constitutional “single subject” rule. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is appealing that decision to the Illinois Supreme court.
Meanwhile, Quinn says state highways will see $8.3 billion in improvements over the life of the program, with $3.2 billion available for the local highway system. In the state portion, $3.5 billion will be for reconstructions, resurfacings, widenings and other safety projects; $1.9 billion for bridge needs; $2.1 billion for congestion mitigation, and $774 million for new roads.
“We are excited to move forward with these projects that will create jobs and make our roads safer,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.
The entire multi-year program is available online at www.dot.il.gov.
Gov. Pat Quinn
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