Breakdown of new Federal Transportation Bill for Rock River Partnership.

As with all communities, we strive for safe and efficient management in day-to-day activities and events. The Federal Transportation Bill helps establish a national policy to encourage safety, efficiency, and the development of surface transportation systems that serve society’s needs. These systems also encourage economic growth, reduced fuel consumption, and improved air quality.

Keep in mind that these are long-range projects for 2005-2009, some already in progress, others needing to move from early consideration to completion. The funding Northern Illinois has been approved for/ will be used for:

• Widening Route 31 from the future Western Bypass of Lagonquin to Rakow Toad ($10 million)
• A 4-lane Route 20 from Freeport to Galena (8.2 million)
• South Main Street (IL Route 2) Corridor project in downtown Rockford ($6.6 million)
• Business US 20 West State Street Corridor Reconstruction Project ($6.6 million)
• US Route 30 widening project from Rock Falls to Fulton ($6.2 million)
• Rakow Road widening to four lanes between Route 31 and Ackman Road ($5.72 million)
• Route 47 widening to five lanes between Kreutzer and Reed roads ($5.72 million)
• Northern Illinois Commuter Rail Initiative – to connect Rockford and Belvidere with Chicago by comuter rail ($2.4 million)
• Willow Creek Bike Trail extension – connection of Rock Cut State Park to the Long Prairie Trail in Caledonia ($160,000)

This legislation contains a significant amount of money for these vital transportation projects in our region. Now efforts must be focused on convincing the state and regional transportation officials to return some of the billions they will receive in federal road dollars back to our area to finish these major projects.