Blagojevich administration officials join lawmakers, labor and
business leaders in Rockford to build support for Illinois Works
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Plan
supports 725,000 jobs statewide; delivers more than $260 million in
capital funds for Rockford schools, roads and bridges
New
revenue stream also provides $30 million more in annual funding for
Rockford schools
[September 27, 2007]
ROCKFORD -- On behalf of Gov. Rod R.
Blagojevich, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity Director Jack Lavin was joined Tuesday in Rockford by
area legislators, labor and business leaders to build support for
Illinois Works, the $25.4 billion capital plan approved unanimously
Sept. 18 by the Illinois Senate. For the Rockford area, that means
$260 million for critical local projects. The bill will head to the
Illinois House of Representatives when they reconvene for the fall
legislative session beginning Oct. 2. Blagojevich is urging members
to work across party lines and pass the legislation, which will fund
projects that are vital to keeping Illinois families safe and
helping communities thrive.
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The landmark Illinois Works building plan is expected to support
more than 725,000 jobs statewide and will launch a comprehensive
program to improve aging roads, bridges and mass transit, as well as
university and school buildings in communities throughout the state.
"I would like to thank the members of the Illinois Senate for
working together to pass this legislation that will boost our
economy and provide jobs for thousands of working people," said
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director
Jack Lavin. "I urge members of the Illinois House to act quickly and
pass this bill, which plays an important role in making sure
commerce in our state thrives and people can work."
Illinois Works would be funded with new revenue brought in from a
publicly owned casino in Chicago and two other new casinos, along
with an expansion of positions at existing casinos. In addition to
providing money to improve statewide infrastructure, the legislation
would also provide $300 million more each year for schools
statewide, building on the $550 million education funding increase
included in the budget for fiscal 2008. For schools in the Rockford
area, that means a total increase of $28,984,169 a year in state
support.
"I would ask that my
colleagues in the House work quickly to pass this capital bill,"
said state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford. "This bill provides
funding that is key to helping Rockford continue to grow and
develop."
Combined with federal, state and local funds, the multiyear
program will provide:
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$15.625 billion to build and improve roads and bridges.
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$4.875 billion for K-12 and higher education school construction
projects.
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$2.588 billion for public transit, passenger rail and airports.
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$6.25 billion for economic development projects that will enhance
Illinois communities.
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$1.116 billion for environmental and energy projects that will
improve drinking and wastewater facilities statewide, redevelop
brownfields, and improve and repair state-owned dams.
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$553 billion to renovate and expand state facilities across
Illinois.
Locally, the people of the Rockford will benefit from Illinois
Works through:
Roads and bridges
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U.S. 20 (Freeport Bypass) from U.S. 20 Business west of Freeport
to west of Illinois 26 -- This project provides $38.2 million for
additional lanes for four miles, a new bridge, land acquisition,
utility adjustments and engineering for contract plans.
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Illinois 2 from Beltline Road to 0.4 mile north of Harrison
Avenue and south of Pond Street to Cedar Street southwest of
Rockford; Riverside Boulevard to Auburn Street and Elmwood Road to
Latham Road north of Rockford -- This project provides $116.6
million for widening and resurfacing on 8.6 miles, intersection
improvements and related work.
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U.S. 20 from Illinois 84 northwest of Galena to Horseshoe Mound
interchange -- This project provides $35.8 million for improvements
to this location.
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Illinois 173 from Illinois 251 to the Boone County line -- This
project adds lanes, a new intersection and land acquisition for
$66.1 million.
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Over $2 million to make improvements to bridges on Illinois 26
south of Amboy Road.
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$1.5 million to replace the bridge on Illinois 40 at Otter Creek
west of Milledgeville.
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Education
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In fiscal 2007, Rockford received $299,298,254 in general state
aid. The foundation level is set in statute at $5,334. The budget that passed would provide Rockford with $328,282,423,
which is an additional $28,984,169. However, this can only happen if
legislation is passed by the General Assembly to increase the
foundation level to $5,734 per student. This legislation is
currently pending action in the House.
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If the capital bill passes,
Rockford will receive $350,575,713, which is
an additional $51,277,459 more than the fiscal 2007 level. Again,
this will require legislation to increase the foundation level to
$5,900 per student.
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$19,190,600 for renovating and expanding Stevens Building and
Northern Illinois University.
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$1.6 billion to award new school construction program grants
across the state.
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$150 million for the school maintenance program to provide up to
$50,000 to each district in Illinois.
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$14,250,000 for constructing a National Rural Health Center at
the University of Illinois at Rockford.
Economic development
- $4,200,000 for the Rockford Civic Center.
"We are pleased to see that our leaders in Springfield have put
forth a capital plan that allows the state of Illinois to move ahead
with projects that are key to our continued economic growth and
success," said Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey. "The ability to move
ahead with the improvements to North Main Street and the gateway at
South Main Street are just an example of two key initiatives that
the capital plan will fund in Rockford. The significance of these
projects rests in their capacity to bring new businesses, new
visitors and new transportation routes to our region. In addition to
our road projects, we are excited to hear that the University of
Illinois College of Medicine can continue with their planned
expansion of the Rockford campus and that the MetroCentre will find
some assistance in their capital improvement project. These
projects, along with the continued funding of statewide projects
like the River Edge program are all key elements in ensuring our
continued success."
Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christianson said, "It is
critical that the Statehouse pass a capital spending plan so
Winnebago County can make much-needed road and infrastructure
improvements."
The Illinois House of Representatives is expected to take up the
bill when they reconvene next week for the fall veto session.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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