Acting Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn, and representatives from the Illinois Capital Development Board, invite community business, civic and elected leaders to take part in a series of informal public meetings being conducted throughout the state in the next month. They will be looking for comments about the current state of the local transportation network, the most pressing infrastructure needs, and how targeted transportation investments can drive economic development and improve the quality of life for residents.
These listening sessions will be to discuss the state’s infrastructure needs and the steps required to make sure the right investments are being made to keep Illinois competitive in a 21st century global economy. The meetings will be held in multiple communities throughout the state, with a goal of presenting Governor Rauner’s office 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. “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”
The tour includes stops at two locations in our area; Rockford on May 14th at 3 p.m. at the RAMP Headquarters at 315 North Main Street, and DeKalb on May 18th at 2 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chamber at 200 S 4th Street. For more information about all the meetings and their locations, click here.
At each stop, the objective 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.”
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