The meetings will be held in multiple communities throughout the state, with a goal of presenting Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office and the General Assembly with a comprehensive package of recommendations for consideration this spring.

“With a world-class system of roads, transit systems, airports and railroads, Illinois is rich in transportation infrastructure, but we are at a crossroads. This asset makes us stand out, but it is beginning to deteriorate and in need of reinvestment,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn, who also is one of the speakers and panelists in the May 8 Kane County Leaders Summit.

“These meetings with the Capital Development Board are a listening tour to help us rebuild and craft a plan going forward that allows Illinois to continue to serve as the transportation hub of North America and build top-notch state facilities so we can grow our economy and improve our quality of life.”

According to an IDOT press release, the objective at each stop will be “to engage residents, businesses, local leaders and various stakeholders in identifying the infrastructure challenges we face and setting the priorities for investing now and for future generations.”

Among the topics that will be addressed are establishing needs and priorities, improving deteriorating roads, bridges and transit systems, providing better access across multiple transportation modes and reinvesting in state facilities, such as schools and state parks.

“I look forward to hearing the views and thoughts on transportation from the broad spectrum of people who make up our great state,” Blankenhorn said. “The time to rethink our transportation goals and priorities is now. Inaction is no longer an option.”

According to a CNBC report, Illinois ranks 27th in “America’s Top States for Business,” but third overall in infrastructure.

“Transportation is the asset that distinguishes Illinois from the rest of the country. Our roads, transit systems, railroads, airports and waterways make Illinois the transportation hub of North America and provide us with a global economic advantage,” IDOT says on its website.

The upcoming dialogue, emphasizing quality of life and economic growth, will establish priorities for future investment in our transportation system. These meetings are intended to be a listening tour, sparking discussion that ultimately leads to a package of recommendations that can be presented to Gov. Bruce Rauner and General Assembly.”

SOURCE: IDOT press release