Our regional and state network of roads, bridges, and transit is in such dire need of reinvestment that it’s putting residents and businesses at risk. As lawmakers in Springfield consider how to fund urgently needed transportation improvements, the APA-IL is one of a growing number of Chicago-area and statewide organizations calling for a new kind of capital bill. We cannot afford business as usual. Reforms are needed to increase transparency and public confidence that limited dollars will be spent wisely to meet the state’s transportation investment needs. Read our recommended Principles for Sustainable Transportation for Illinois.
As stated in an April 29, 2019 press release by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), CMAP "Executive Director Joseph C. Szabo testified at the hearing that Illinois needs a new kind of capital bill that is accountable to the public, with reforms to increase transparency and public confidence that limited dollars will be spent wisely."
“Historically, the state has responded to its capital needs with sporadic bills that have been inadequate, too focused on borrowing, and funded by gimmick-revenue sources unrelated to transportation that failed to live up to expectations,” said Szabo. “We owe it to the public to get this right.”
The APA-IL is part of a growing group of regional and statewide leaders calling for a new kind of capital bill that ensures state transportation funding is spent wisely. Other members of this growing group include: Active Transportation Alliance, American Council of Engineering Companies-Illinois, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Chicago Department of Transportation, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, City of Chicago, Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Cook County, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Illinois Municipal League, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, Kane County, Kane Kendall Council of Mayors, Lake County, McHenry County, Metra, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Metropolitan Planning Council, Midwest High Speed Rail Association, Mid-west Truckers Association, Openlands, Pace, Ray LaHood, Regional Transportation Authority, Ride Illinois, Rockford Regional Planning Council, and Sierra Club-Illinois Chapter, Tri-State Development Summit.
