In the News

Chicago Daily Southtown, March 28, 2007

Any motorist or transit user can tell you that our roads and rails are in dire need of repair.

Railroad bridges and underpasses need to be built so freight trains no longer block people trying to get to work. Key roads such as LaGrange Road in Orland Park and U.S. 30 need to be improved so motorists aren't dodging dangerous potholes. CTA tracks need to be revamped, and Metra and Pace service needs to be expanded to better serve commuters and Southland transit users.

What most people can't tell you is how Illinois prioritizes what precious capital funding it has to meet the state's most pressing transportation needs.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has a system for rating and funding infrastructure projects, but the public and most elected officials have no idea how the process works - which means they would be hard-pressed to explain how the state is spending their money.

Understandably, taxpayers are skeptical of doling out more of their hard-earned dollars - and therefore, legislators are wary of casting votes - to fund transportation projects that haven't proven themselves worthy. Not unlike business owners, taxpayers want assurances their money will be targeted to projects and programs that deliver the biggest bang for the buck; then they're very willing to invest.

It's time for a dose of sunshine. Taxpayers deserve to know why Illinois is choosing to invest where, and an answer to the question: What will we get for our money? That's why state. Reps. David Miller (D-Dolton) and Michael Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) and state. Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Highwood) have introduced the Illinois Capital Investment Accountability Act (HB 801 and SB 1582). The bill would institute an accountable, transparent selection process that relies on regional input to determine which transportation projects receive funding.

The proposal gives priority to projects that rate highly according to the criteria that matter to our region. Projects proposed late in the process will have to be defended publicly by the lead stakeholder rather than slipped in as "pork" without debate.

In short, this proposal will democratize Illinois' transportation project selection process and hold it more accountable to taxpayers.

The governor and the state Legislature must begin work on a multibillion dollar state capital investment package this year. But any plan for more funding for roads, rails and bridges must be paired with a process like the one proposed in the Illinois Capital Investment Accountability Act. Without one, it will not be a surprise if taxpayers in Illinois refuse to support a new capital investment proposal and our transportation system continues to slide into a worse state of disrepair.

Michael McLaughlin is transportation director for the Metropolitan Planning Council.