SPRINGFIELD - Illinois residents will likely see the effects of the federal stimulus bill on their highways and bridges beginning as early as May.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is trying to take advantage of stimulus funding with a slate of "shovel-ready projects" that target worn-down highways and bridges throughout the state. In Kankakee County, Illinois Route 17 will benefit the most with resurfacing projects along major portions of the state highway.
But before the state's transportation department can begin accepting bids from contractors, federal agencies must approve of projects.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in February, allots $27.5 billion dollars to states to fix highways and bridges.
Illinois' share is $936 million, with $627 million allotted to the state's transportation department and the remainder split between local governments and mandated enhancements, such as widening sidewalks and striping bike lanes.
Local impact
For Kankakee County, IDOT is proposing $13.1 million in shovel-ready projects, including:
* Resurfacing on Illinois Route 1 between Illinois Route 17 and the town of St. Anne.
* Resurfacing on Illinois Route 17 from east of Reddick Run to east of Herscher Road.
* Resurfacing on Illinois Route 17 from east of Lowe Road to west of Illinois Route 1.
* Resurfacing on Illinois Route 115 from Irwin to west of Kankakee.
* Resurfacing, patching, adding another left turn lane, and constructing a curb, gutter, and storm sewer for Armour Road from U.S. Route 45/52 in Bourbonnais to Illinois Route 50 in Bradley.
These projects would be in addition to any projects that local government and metropolitan agencies could fund themselves.
IDOT estimates that for each $1 million spent, 25 to 30 jobs will be created, said Smith, director of planning and programming at the state's transportation department.
Shovels out
Illinois State Rep. Lisa Dugan, D-Bradley, said the community has awaited such an influx of capital funding for some time.
"Armour Road has been on the list for about nine years, so it's great to see that some of the stimulus money will at least be able start to address some of the infrastructure issues," said Dugan.
IDOT's list of proposed shovel-ready projects will cost $693 million, more than $65 million more than the amount initially allotted to Illinois. Dugan said the shovel-ready project plan is a good start, but there is much more to be done.
"We still have many more projects we want to move forward on whether it be more stimulus funds or a capital bill," said Dugan. "If IDOT has extra money, I have no shortage of projects."
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