New Illinois Governor Jay “JB” Pritzker is being lauded for a wave of new legislation that has passed on a bipartisan basis at the end of the Spring session. This includes a $45 billion infrastructure bill that is aimed at re-building roads and bridges throughout the state. The state will pay for this bill, in part, by doubling the fuel tax from .19 cents per gallon to .38 cents and also through various increases on things from ride-sharing trips, paid parking garages and vehicle registration.
The question I have is how is this new bill going to affect Chicagoans? The legislative package includes $350 million in funding to fix rail congestion and traffic delays. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) would get an additional $3.2 billion for infrastructure projects, which includes $60 million for repairs on the Green Line Cottage Grove station. $31.5 million was earmarked for improvements to the Blue Line’s O’Hare branch, along with another $50 million for tactical traction power upgrades. Another $220 million in capital upgrades for Pace suburban bus service. Money will be given to Amtrak for upgrades to the Chicago – Champaign – Carbondale route, and the Chicago to Rockford route.
Also, I have read on various outlets that about $50 million will be dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian projects, including pedestrian islands and better crosswalks, as well as protected bike lanes and multi-use trails.
This is an incredibly important investment in this state. We can only hope that the governor and his departments use this money properly and improve what has been needed for years.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury lawyer, Aaron J. Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076.