HR0245 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0245 LRB096 12186 GRL 24666 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, For nearly twenty years, the Illinois Department of Transportation has maintained a commitment to the General Assembly that highway funding shall be distributed in a manner so that Northeastern Illinois receives 45% of funding and downstate receives 55% of funding; and

WHEREAS, The State is currently divided into nine highway districts, with District 1 encompassing Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, and Will Counties and all other downstate counties divided into districts 2 through 9; and

WHEREAS, Over 81% of the State's roadways and 78% of the State's bridges are located in downstate Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Highway districts 2 through 9, representing downstate Illinois, include more than 13,300 miles of highways, compared to 3,000 miles within District 1; and

WHEREAS, Highways in downstate Illinois provide vital access to all regions of the State, connect Illinois to neighboring states, and serve as major arteries for the State's economy and commerce; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Governor, the Department of Transportation, and the General Assembly to maintain the current practice of distributing highway funds with ratio of 45% to northeastern Illinois and 55% to downstate Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our belief that a capital program or any new highway funding should uphold the longstanding commitment of distributing highway funds in this manner; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Governor, the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives, and the President and Minority Leader of the Illinois Senate.