SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- Democratic lawmakers are asking for transparency and accountability from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Specifically when it comes to road construction projects across the state.
passed out of the transportation committee Monday afternoon and now heads to the house floor. The bill could require IDOT to create a transportation performance program when dealing with road and bridge construction projects.
Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) says the public isn’t aware of details surrounding these projects and IDOT should provide an explanation.
“The bill sets in place a process for more accountability and to ensure that IDOT communicates it’s decisions transparently and consistently,� said Buckner.
Buckner introduced the bill last year, although it didn’t move forward after COVID-19 cut session short. He plans to amend the bill with small tweaks to the introduced language once it reaches the House floor.
Tom Kotarac, President of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, agreed IDOT needs more transparency.
“IDOT currently publishes a multi-year plan and an annual plan so we know what projects they’re going to build,� said Kotarac. “However there’s very little information about why they’re going to build.�
Kotarac emphasized that future projects under IDOT’s jurisdiction must follow this process in order to be approved. Democrats hope this bill presents underserved communities an opportunity to get roads and bridges repaired.
Sidewalks and bike paths
Committee members also approved . The proposal requires IDOT to establish sidewalks or bike paths in conjunction with construction projects.
Currently, if a community wanted to add a sidewalk or path to a state road, they’re required to pay for 20% of that project. Now, Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) said sidewalks are necessary for Illinoisans to safely get around and should be fully funded by IDOT.
“Part of the philosophy behind this bill is moving away from looking at sidewalks and bike paths as luxuries and being more of a standard feature of a state road project,� said Moeller.
She explained that some communities don’t have extra funding to cover additional infrastructure.
“The advocates feel that sidewalks should be considered a standard feature of a roadway where it’s appropriate,� said Moeller. “And that’s part of the language of the bill.�
Both of these bills passed unanimously and await second reading.
