Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has introduced a record-breaking $50 billion funding in infrastructure enchancment packages.
The brand new investments are a part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, with Pritzker saying new allocations for tasks in transit, rail, marine, and street packages.
“Immediately, I’m proud to launch the most recent roadmap – the biggest within the historical past of the Illinois Division of Transportation,” Pritzker mentioned in an announcement. “Over the following six years, we’ll proceed investing throughout the board with the intention to construct the very best infrastructure system within the nation – and create good jobs for Illinoisans within the course of. From Chicago and Rockford to Springfield and Decatur, to Carbondale and Metropolis, each nook of our nice state will profit.”
The tasks will embrace state funding, together with funding from the federal authorities and personal entities, in response to a press launch from IDOT.
A number of main passenger rail tasks are a part of the allocations, together with a $270 million funding to re-establish passenger rail service between Rockford and Chicago. One other $388.8 million will re-establish passenger rail service between Chicago and the Quad Cities, in response to the press launch.
One other $98 million was earmarked for upgrades on Amtrak’s Saluki service between Chicago and Carbondale, with $175 million heading to operations and coaching for the CTA.
In all, $50.6 billion is allotted to construct and restore infrastructure within the state as a part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program.
State officers estimate that greater than 7,000 miles of roadway can be improved or inbuilt Chicago and within the collar counties as a part of the venture.
One other $400 million was earmarked for greater than 200 completely different native tasks, which can assist construct bike lanes and different infrastructure across the state.
“Below Gov. Pritzker, our investments in transportation are doing greater than ever to attach folks to the significant locations of their lives,” mentioned Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “This new multi-year development program won’t solely create jobs and financial alternative, however it would additionally enhance high quality of life in Illinois – making it simpler to stroll and bike, catch a bus, ship items, and get you safely from the place you might be to the place you have to be.”