Coalition, Lawmakers Join to See Benefits of State Capital Plan

INTERSTATE 74 -- This summer marks big changes for drivers on Illinois roads. A new construction program will mean higher prices at the pump, and more construction zones.

But for state lawmakers in central Illinois and the Transportation for Illinois Coalition, it also means a critical turning point for the state's economy.

Legislators supported a $45 billion capital program at the end of the spring legislative session that will lead to repairs and improvements on thousands of miles of roads, bridges and transit lines. The program is paid for by higher gas taxes and other fees paid by drivers.

On Thursday, TFIC joined with state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, and two other central Illinois lawmakers to see the results of their support. Projects like the I-74 reconstruction between Peoria and Bloomington will put many people to work and ensure we all get where we need to go more safely.

“These are people that live in Illinois, pay taxes in Illinois,” said State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), to WMBD-TV. “This is good for the economy as well as repairing our roads and bridges.”

TFIC gave the three legislators Friends of Infrastructure Awards, as part of a statewide program to recognize legislators who supported the capital plan. More can be found at TFIC's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TFICIllinois.