SR0931 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0931 LRB102 26871 ECR 37934 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois aggregates industry produces high-quality crushed stone, sand, and gravel that is the primary ingredient in concrete and asphalt pavement utilized in construction and is the foundation of our society; and

WHEREAS, Illinois aggregates are utilized in the manufacturing of everyday products, including glass, paper, medicine, fertilizer, cleansers, cosmetics, and toothpaste; they are also used in erosion and pollution control, slope and shore protection, dams, water filtration, sewage and waste water control, and drinking water purification; and

WHEREAS, The Minerals Education Coalition estimates that every American born in 2021 will need 1.32 million pounds of stone, sand, and gravel in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is blessed with geological formations that provide abundant sources of high-quality aggregates; and

WHEREAS, More than 230 aggregate mines currently operate in 70 counties in Illinois, providing thousands of well-paying, blue and white-collar jobs; and

WHEREAS, Maximizing the utilization of local aggregates improves sustainability and minimizes the carbon footprint of construction projects by reducing the number of trucks on the road; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that transport distances of 30 to 50 miles may increase the costs of natural aggregate to the user by a factor of two to four relative to the unit cost of aggregate at the extraction site; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois State Geological Survey estimates that the transportation cost for sand and gravel to the point of utilization equals its price at the extraction site if transported 15 to 21 miles and 27 to 34 miles for crushed stone; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Center for Transportation is currently conducting a study funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation titled "Optimizing the Use of Local Aggregates for Stone-Matrix Asphalt", which is yielding positive early results; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we strongly encourage the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Tollway, and other Illinois state and local entities, when safe and practical, to maximize the utilization of locally produced aggregates in Illinois construction projects; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway.