As Illinois enters the summer months, we can reflect back on another spring that produced a record-breaking amount of precipitation. Multiple days of rain in the month of May resulted in widespread flooding across the Chicago region, to the point … Continue reading Record-Breaking May Precipitation Calls for Increased Focus on Climate Change Impacts
Declining Fuel Tax and Gambling Revenues Could Threaten Illinois Infrastructure Projects Continue reading “REPORT: COVID-19 Could Cost Illinois as Much as $560 Million in Transportation Revenues in 2020 Alone”
Infrastructure investment can help reduce the severity and frequency of future crashes. Continue reading “STUDY: Car Crashes Cost Illinois $3.8 Billion Per Year”
On Wednesday, April 4, 2018 the Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Committee of the Illinois House of Representatives held a hearing titled “Effects of the Proposed Federal Infrastructure Plan.” Mary Craighead, AICP, transportation policy analyst with ILEPI, submitted testimony that is summarized below. Continue reading “ILEPI Testimony at the Illinois House Transportation Committee”
Falling Motor Fuel Tax Revenues Accelerate Funding Shortfall La Grange: The rapidly deteriorating condition of Illinois roads, bridges, and transit systems is producing increased congestion and vehicle maintenance costs, and the annual cost of needed repairs currently stands at $4.6 … Continue reading REPORT: Illinois Needs $4.6 Billion Per Year to Fix Roads, Bridges, and Transit Systems
How will Illinois respond: acknowledge that the current Administration is unwilling to provide direct support and offer local funding solutions or continue to hold out for broader federal aid? Continue reading “President Trump’s Proposed Infrastructure Plan: The Shift to Local Funding and Illinois’ Response”
Interstate 80 near Joliet is a prime example of a roadway in desperate need of improvements. Built in the 1960s as an original portion of the interstate highway system, it is a crucial east-west corridor for both the Chicago region and the nation. However, inadequate infrastructure funding on both the state and federal levels has left travelers in the lurch, subjecting them to not only the inconvenience of congestion and an inefficient roadway, but also safety issues. Continue reading “I-80: Exemplifying the Need for Infrastructure Investment”
Thursday Community Town Hall Meeting Convened State and Local Leaders to Discuss Local Highway Infrastructure Needs Joliet: As highlighted at a Thursday Town Hall meeting in Joliet – where state transportation leaders gathered to discuss Will County’s highway infrastructure needs – an Illinois … Continue reading New Study Says I-80 Near Joliet in “Desperate Need” of Repairs, Improvement
If Illinois’ state budget crisis is not resolved by June 30, 2017, all existing Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) road, bridge, and transit projects will be stopped.
Yesterday, Frank Manzo IV, Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) Policy Director, testified before the Illinois General Assembly. Please CLICK HERE to read the full testimony. The following is an edited version of the testimony.
Continue reading “ILEPI Testimony on the Potential IDOT Shutdown”
NEW Study: A protracted shutdown of planned road and bridge projects could shrink the Illinois economy by nearly $2 billion on net, eliminate 23,000 jobs, and cost taxpayers up to $270 million over the next year. Continue reading “IDOT Shutdown Could Cost 23,000 Jobs and Hundreds of Millions of Dollars”
The Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) supports the Illinois Tollway Board’s decision to advance the Central Tri-State project, which will bring far-reaching benefits to the region, including economic development, job creation, and the increased ability to stay competitive.
Continue reading “The Illinois Tollway Board Advances the I-294 Central Tri-State Project”
The proposed extension of Route 53/120 will bring jobs to Lake County and improve overall transportation movements for residents by alleviating traffic congestion. These improvements will make Lake County more attractive to prospective businesses, which will provide significant economic benefits. Construction of the Route 53/120 extension will actually provide a net benefit to the local economy and improve the quality of life for Lake County residents.
The Illinois Update 