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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the county’s
transportation network is one of its greatest assets.
“Roads, bridges, pedestrian and bicycle paths, as well as public
transit, all play an essential role in moving people and goods
throughout Cook County safely and efficiently,” Preckwinkle
said.
Preckwinkle announced nearly $8 million in county taxpayer
dollars to leverage nearly $42 million in local, state and
federal taxpayer funds.
Preckwinkle said more than 60% of the funding is directed to
projects in low and moderate income areas.
“Making equitable investments has been and will continue to be
the top priority for my administration,” Preckwinkle said.
The funding will be distributed across 26 municipalities for
transportation-related projects.
Cook County’s Invest in Cook transportation investments are
partially funded by gas taxes, but they prioritize pedestrian
projects.
Preckwinkle outlined 35 transportation-related investments.
“This year, four transit, six bicycle, 12 pedestrian, one
freight and 12 road projects will receive funding,” Preckwinkle
said.
Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon said the projects will
enhance mobility and foster economic growth.
“Investing in the Fifth District means more than just upgrading
roads or enhancing bike paths. It means creating safe routes for
our children to get to school, improving access to public
transit for our workers and fostering a more vibrant community
for all residents,” Gordon said.
Invest in Cook grants are partially funded by gas taxes imposed
by municipalities in Cook County.
Around $64 million in taxpayer funds have been spent over eight
years of the Invest in Cook program.
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