The next phase of the Illinois Jobs Now capital program has been signed into law.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was on hand for the bill signing that authorizes the state to commence with $1.6 billion worth of road, rail and transit projects across the state.
"No state is better positioned to use that money than Illinois, thanks to the leadership of the legislators the governor of the entire state," LaHood said. He says the state was able to start the second phase in part because of the new federal transportation program.
The measure authorizes the issuance of more than $1.6 billion in bonds to pay for $817.3 million in new highway projects, including $100 million of direct funding for cities, counties and townships to make local road improvements. Also included is $799.5 million in mass transit and rail improvements during Fiscal Year 2013.
"Funding critical transportation and rail projects will help improve the safety of the motoring public, improve access to public transit and alleviate travel delays," said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. She says this next phase of the capital program should create nearly 20,000 jobs.
A complete list of projects can be found at www.dot.state.il.us.