Rapid regional growth has increased traffic gridlock for all
of us. Here in the Southland, residents and business leaders have been hopeful
that the long-awaited federal transportation bill would address congestion,
provide transit options and economic development opportunities, and create jobs.
We set the bar high for our federal legislators — and they
delivered, not surprisingly, reflecting the caliber and clout of our Illinois
leaders in Washington.
The bill, signed Aug. 10 by President Bush near Aurora,
authorized hundreds of billions of dollars to be spent over the next five years
on highway and surface transportation projects throughout the nation.
Our federal delegation successfully made the case for vital
road, transit and other high-priority infrastructure projects statewide,
convincing the country to finance substantial long-term investment in Illinois
to the tune of more than $8.5 billion dollars.
Yes, Illinois came up a big winner with SAFETEA-LU (Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users,)
due to the tenacity of our Illinois delegation. But their fortitude and
perseverance were only the first tests of leadership required to see these
projects through to fruition.
However optimistic we may be about Illinois' overall
wind-fall, we need to remember that our state leaders already face several
"tests" before bringing those federal dollars home.
The first challenge comes in the form of the $2.8 billion
required as Illinois' match to the promised federal investment.
Though the long-awaited federal transportation bill includes
funding to support new transit, freight and highway projects that will expand
transportation choices for all of us, much of that support is contingent upon
Illinois being able to pony up its share for many projects. That's a fundamental
problem, as Illinois currently has neither the money in the bank nor the capital
investment package in place to provide that match.
We don't have the match in hand because Illinois let its
state capital funding program, Illinois FIRST, run dry during almost two years
of wrangling in Washington. While our federal legislators debated how to bring
home billions in federal highway dollars, we shortsightedly depleted our state's
transportation resources and funneled the now critically needed funds elsewhere.
Just as predicted, by raiding our road coffers to fill
budget holes, we put at risk many of these federally recognized vital projects.
So before we can offer up congratulations for delivery of
the region's many "asks," the next test will be for state leaders to create a
capital investment package that replaces the expired Illinois FIRST.
The governor and state transportation officials have vowed
to "not leave any federal money on the table," but that means finding almost
three billion Illinois taxpayer dollars to secure the federal pledge.
Since many of the projects require between 20 and 50 percent
of the total tab be borne locally, we must be prepared to produce at least 20
cents for every 80 cents from the feds. For projects with the 50 percent
requisite match, we'll need to come up with 50 cents before securing a like
amount from D.C.
We asked for funding to pay for projects that will increase
transportation options, expand our regional public transit network, reduce
traffic snarls, improve our road and freight system to expedite the flow of
goods and people, and more. Now, with many of these projects recognized by
SAFETEA-LU, we must prove we're committed to paying for them.
We must also work together to make sure that the projects
that move forward to full funding serve the greatest good. Vital road, transit
and high-priority infrastructure projects must make it to "the head of the
class."
Our fortitude and forbearance will be tested to resist
political posturing on individual projects. While Illinois is pitted against
other states for finite federal dollars, in these early days we should not be
competing project versus project here at home.
We need to work together to see as many of the identified
projects through to the finish line: transit New Start initiatives, such as the
extension of the Metra Electric Line, development of the Southeast Service Line
or proposed STAR line; the CREATE plan to improve the freight system in
northeastern Illinois; the many local road, intersection and interchange
improvements named; and other projects benefiting regions throughout the state.
We must recognize that all of these projects ensure Illinois
remains the transportation hub of the nation. Let's just move to the front of
the line the projects that reduce congestion, increase transit options, connect
job centers, and spark new economic development opportunities.
We need to ace all of these tests so that Illinois can be a
true winner with SAFETEA-LU. It is up to state leadership now to deliver on what
our federal legislators worked so hard to secure: an updated transportation
system, befitting a world-class region. It is, after all, worth the investment.
Kristi DeLaurentiis is south suburban
coordinator for the Metropolitan Planning Council
and a resident of Frankfort. She may be reached at
(815) 325-1220 or via e-mail at kdelaurentiis@metroplanning.org.