Largest Year of Construction Investment in Agency History Will Rebuild 160 Lane Miles, Repair 70 Bridges and Improve 20 Interchanges

SCHAUMBURG - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the Illinois Tollway will invest $1.4 billion in transportation improvements in 2014 - the largest one-year infrastructure investment in the agency's history. The investments will rebuild 160 lane miles of roads, repair 70 bridges and build or improve 20 interchanges while supporting up to 15,000 jobs. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and build a 21st century infrastructure that will drive Illinois' economy forward.

"This record transportation investment across the Illinois Tollway will reduce congestion and improve the quality of life for people throughout the region while supporting our businesses," Governor Quinn said. "This unparalleled investment in our roads will create jobs for thousands of hard-working men and women today and build a foundation for even more businesses and jobs for generations to come."

Today's announcement includes funding for the third year of the agency's 15-year, $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. In 2014, the $1.1 billion in Move Illinois projects include the completion of the first phase of the new interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and I-57; the continued rebuilding and widening of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as a state-of-the-art 21st century corridor; moving forward with construction of a new, all-electronic Elgin O'Hare Western Access; and funding planning studies for the Illinois Route 53/120 Project. In addition to these new improvements, the 2014 capital program includes $300 million in funding to address the needs of the existing Tollway system. 

"2014 will be our biggest year ever. We know that drivers may experience work zones along many parts of our system this year and ask our customers for their continued patience," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. "By the end of the year, our customers will have direct access from the Tri-State to I-57 and smooth, new pavement and another lane on the Jane Addams from Elgin to Rockford. They will also begin to see major work happening on the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project, the largest roadway construction project in the state."

"The hardworking men and women of the Illinois construction industry are eager and ready to get started on the Illinois Tollway's 2014 construction projects," said James P. Connolly, business manager of the Laborers' District Council of Chicago & Vicinity. "We appreciate the opportunity to help build the transportation infrastructure that keeps the Illinois economy moving."

"The Tollway's $12 billion Move Illinois Program is an economic engine for Northern Illinois and the I-90 Rebuilding and Widening Project alone is expected to create more than 11,000 jobs," James Sweeney, President of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, said. "The long-term benefits of these investments will continue to be realized for decades."

The Tollway's Move Illinois Program is the largest capital program in the agency's history and the largest of any toll road agency in the nation. As of February, more than $2.1 billion in construction and engineering contracts have been approved by the Tollway Board since the Move Illinois Program began in 2012.

The 2014 capital program includes:

$729.2 million for the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) corridor.

·         Completing the rebuilding and widening of the 37-mile western segment of I-90 between Elgin and I-39 in Rockford.

·         Beginning advance work including noisewall and retaining wall construction on the eastern segment of I-90 between Elgin and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to prepare for roadway rebuilding and widening.

·         Rebuilding westbound I-90 between I-294 and the Kennedy Expressway.

·         Improving or building interchanges at Business U.S. Route 20/State Street in Rockford, Irene Road and Genoa Road near Belvidere, Illinois Route 25 in Elgin, Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates, Roselle Road and Meacham Road in Schaumburg and Lee Street in Rosemont.

·         Rebuilding 11 local crossroad bridges along I-90 to accommodate the widening of the roadway, including Pearl Street, Town Hall Road, Johnson Road, Shattuck Road, County Line Road, Harmony-Riley Road, Harmony Road, Hennig Road, Tyrrell Road, Bartlett Road and Higgins Road.

$282.8 million to construct the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project.

·         Building new interchanges at Rohlwing Road and I-290 on Illinois Route 390 (Elgin O'Hare Expressway) and at Elmhurst Road on I-90.

·         Continuing new noisewall and advance work between Roselle Road and Meacham Road/Medinah Road along Illinois Route 390.

·         Rehabilitating and widening of Illinois Route 390 from Illinois Route 19 to Meacham Road/Medinah Road, as well as reconstruction and widening work from Meacham Road/Medinah Road to Illinois Route 53.

$85.7 million to complete the first phase of the new Tri-State Tollway (I-294)/I-57 Interchange in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

·         Building new ramps to carry traffic from southbound I-294 to southbound I-57 and from northbound I-57 to northbound I-294.

·         Building new ramps at 147th Street and I-294.

In addition, the Illinois Tollway is committed to additional investments that will keep the existing Tollway system in a state of good repair for years to come. Work in 2014 includes an additional $282.8 million for a variety of construction, design, inspection and other capital investments systemwide. Projects include :

·         Repairing pavement and bridges on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88).

·         Repairing Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294) ramps at 75th Street, Ogden Avenue, Roosevelt Road, I-290, Irving Park Road, Grand Avenue and at Illinois Route 120.

·         Repairing ramps and bridges on the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355).

·         Restoring parking lots at seven oases throughout the Illinois Tollway system.

Following the direction of Governor Quinn and the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors, the agency has stepped up efforts to expand opportunities for a larger and more diverse group of businesses to work on the Move Illinois Program including professional services, construction and goods and services. In fact, there are currently more than 500 businesses working on the Move Illinois Program, with more than one-third working with the Tollway for the first time.

Construction work is beginning this month at various locations on the Tollway system. Whenever possible, the Illinois Tollway works to keep as many lanes open in work zones as were available before construction by using shoulders, traffic shifts and crossover lanes. Lane closures may be required at times, to facilitate stage changes, accelerate work or for the safety of workers and drivers. The Tollway works to schedule these lane closures during non-peak travel times.

Work zone speed limits are in effect 24/7 in all construction zones, whether workers are present. Drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution at all times. Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375. Posted signs advise drivers of a $10,000 fine and 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker.

The Tollway is committed to "Building Green" and minimizing the environmental impact of construction by reducing, recycling and reusing materials. Recycled asphalt pavement aggregate, recycled concrete aggregate, along with supplemental cements such as fly ash and ground granulated slag from industrial waste are green materials that may be part of the concrete pavements. In addition, new asphalt used in projects will incorporate recycled materials including warm-mix asphalt, reclaimed asphalt pavement, ground tire rubber and recycled asphalt shingles. In addition to reducing the cost of this work, reuse of these materials reduces the need for virgin asphalt materials and reduces the volume of material that would otherwise be sent to landfills.

For more detailed information about Illinois Tollway construction projects, visit "Project By Roadway" in the Construction/Planning section on the Tollway's website illinoistollway.com.

State's Investment Will Clean Up Site to Create New Public Sports Fields and Green Space for Future Generations

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $2 million state investment to clean up land to allow Kerry Wood Cubs Field to move forward. The project was halted nearly a year ago when environmental contaminants were discovered. The cleanup will allow work to continue on the seven-acre site that will be utilized by students throughout Chicago and include baseball, soccer and other sports fields, green space and seating for more than 1,000 people. The move is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

"Kerry Wood helped the Cubs make many comebacks during his storied career, and today we are helping him make one more," Governor Quinn said. "This investment will kick-start this important project to turn an old industrial site into a state-of-the-art sports center for youth and families throughout the city."

"I'm grateful to Governor Quinn and the state of Illinois for their support in providing a safe environment for Chicago's kids," Wood said. "Kerry Wood Cubs Field will be a special place for our community for years to come. Having been drafted out of high school, I know the importance of having a place to play. Keeping baseball alive in our city is something that is close to my heart. I'm excited for our kids to play under the lights and start their own dreams. Anything is possible."

"I'd like to thank Governor Quinn for helping to ensure Kerry Wood Cubs Field will become a reality for youth and families across Chicago," Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said. "This is a testament to the collective power of Illinois' strong public, private and individual efforts to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and communities."

"This is a great example of cooperation between the state, the city and the Cubs that allows us to complete Kerry Wood Cubs Field and build an amateur sports complex all Chicagoans will be proud to use," U.S. Representative Mike Quigley said. "It's an honor to be a part of this effort to give our community access to a resource that I know will create a tremendous home field advantage."

"After hearing from Lane Tech parents frustrated with delays, I'm pleased to have worked with the Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to clean up and revive this space for the community to enjoy," Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said.

"This wonderful addition to our community will benefit all who live in this neighborhood," State Representative Ann Williams said. "Thank you to Governor Quinn and the Chicago Cubs for their efforts to make this dream a reality."

"Kerry Wood's contributions on the field have been eclipsed only by his contributions to Chicago and our children, and this field is one more landmark to his legacy," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. "I want to thank Kerry and the Governor for their efforts to move this project forward and help ensure that every child in the city has access to a world-class park."

"I am grateful for Governor Quinn's leadership and his steadfast commitment to public schools, parks and the community at-large," Alderman Ameya Pawar (47th) said. "As a result of his commitment, the long-standing vision for Clark Park will soon become a reality. In under just three years, he's directed over $12 million in state funds to parks and schools in the 47th ward. I am thankful to have such a great partner."

Kerry Wood Cubs Field will be built on a property located at 3457 N. Rockwell St., which is contaminated from its former use as a brick yard. The state's investment, through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), will fund the removal of contaminated soil, followed by site grading and leveling. The contamination is limited to the site and there are no safety issues for the surrounding area.

"This project is a great example of the work we do every day to improve Illinois communities by cleaning up contaminated sites to benefit residents and young people," IEPA Director Lisa Bonnett said.

Once complete, Kerry Wood Cubs Field will be run by the Chicago Park District. It will serve nearby Lane Tech High School and other public high schools throughout the city, and be available to recreational leagues and the general public.

The field will meet the regulations of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), making it eligible to host state baseball playoffs. Currently many students who play baseball at Chicago high schools have to travel out of the city to play on fields that meet IHSA regulations.

The construction of the $5 million project is supported by contributions from the Cubs, Chicago Cubs Charities, the Wood Family Foundation, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools and Turner Construction.

Governor Secures State Resources After Denial of FEMA Funding Appeal; Aid Will Help Local Governments Recover

SPRINGFIELD - Following federal denial of urgently-needed disaster assistance, Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $45 million state relief package to help Illinois local governments recover from the deadly November tornadoes. This assistance was assembled at the Governor's direction following the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denial of the state's appeal for federal disaster assistance for local governments.

The relief package will provide much-needed aid for impacted municipalities, including Washington, Brookport, Gifford, New Minden, Diamond, Coal City and East Peoria. All local governments in the nine counties impacted by the historic tornadoes will be eligible for assistance. The counties are: Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne and Woodford.

"Our tornado-ravaged communities need help and they need it now," Governor Quinn said. "While it's disappointing that our request for federal disaster relief was denied due to outdated rules, the state of Illinois is committed to providing assistance to communities that need it. Recovery won't happen overnight but this aid will help people rebuild their lives."

The state's multi-agency relief package for local governments includes assistance from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

DCEO will provide up to $19.1 million in state and federal funds to be used toward disaster recovery. These commitments include :

·            Up to $10 million in state funds to local governments to rebuild tornado-damaged infrastructure.

·            Approximately $4.5 million of the agency's Community Development Assistance Program allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be directed toward housing repair and reconstruction for low-income residents.

·            An additional $3.6 million is expected from HUD this summer to address unmet housing needs from communities impacted by last spring's flooding or November's tornadoes.

·            The DCEO Office of Employment and Training will supply up to $1 million in Rapid Response funding which will provide paid work experience to individuals to assist with disaster cleanup and recovery efforts - $138,875 of these funds are already being used for this purpose in Brookport.

·            Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization funds are available to eligible recipients for a variety of storm-related issues including temporary shelter, transportation, utility reconnection, heating and air conditioning replacement, coats and blankets, insulation repair, generators, re-weatherization of damaged homes and technical assistance. The amount of funding available will depend on the number of eligible LIHEAP and weatherization households seeking assistance.

IDOT will provide up to $10 million for communities to repair storm-damaged infrastructure. IDOT continues to work with communities to identify eligible transportation infrastructure needs.

IFA, the state's infrastructure bank, will immediately make available up to $4.5 million in below-market rate loans to finance repairs constituting capital expenditures to publicly owned and operated facilities that sustained damage in the tornadoes, not otherwise covered by insurance. Due to the legal and credit requirements of each individual project, the IFA will work through the Governor's Response Team with individual local governments in the tornado-ravaged communities.

IEMA will provide $3.55 million to help municipalities pay for costs already incurred for items such as debris removal, emergency protective measures and overtime payments. This assistance comes from state General Revenue Funds.

IEPA will set aside up to $5.35 million in low-interest loans through the Illinois Clean Water Initiative to repair damaged water systems in impacted communities.

IHDA will provide $2.5 million in emergency rehabilitation assistance to approximately 50 low-income households affected by the severe storms. Eligible homeowners will receive up to $40,000 in assistance to pay insurance deductibles or provide home repairs. The assistance comes from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

For information on how local government can benefit from the relief package, please visit Ready.Illinois.gov.

The Governor recently addressed the National Journal's Disaster Forum in Washington, D.C. to push for needed changes to the FEMA disaster aid criteria. The Governor is working with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Illinois' congressional delegation to pass legislation that would give FEMA a clearer, more substantive formula when evaluating natural disasters. It will modify a flawed system that places small and rural communities in highly populated states at a disadvantage in the federal disaster declaration process. The bill assigns a specific weight to each of the factors already used by FEMA and adds other economic factors for the agency to consider when determining whether or not an area should receive federal assistance.

"FEMA has gotten it wrong in Illinois not once but twice," Senator Durbin said. "The federal government can't be expected to help after every weather event, but the damage I saw in Central Illinois convinced me that we need to be doing more. Senator Kirk and I have a bill?introduced in the House by members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation?that would fix FEMA's funding formulas so communities in downstate Illinois are no longer at a disadvantage when disaster strikes. I am encouraged by Governor Quinn's commitment today to help make these communities whole again and will be working with my colleagues to advance the Fairness in Federal Disaster Declarations Act and identify any additional federal funding opportunities."

Shortly after the deadly storms on Nov. 17, 2013, Governor Quinn surveyed the damaged areas and activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the deployment of state resources and personnel in support of local response and recovery efforts. While federal assistance for local governments has been denied, just nine days after the storms the Governor successfully secured federal aid for families and businesses in 15 counties which has topped $23.5 million, including FEMA grants of more than $2.6 million and $21 million in low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Discusses Illinois' Disaster Response After Year of Extreme Weather

WASHINGTON - Governor Pat Quinn today delivered the keynote address at the National Journal's Natural Disaster Forum in Washington, D.C., where he discussed Illinois' preparedness and response to several major natural disasters and called for needed changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) disaster aid criteria. Under Governor Quinn's leadership the state of Illinois has managed response to disasters ranging from deadly tornadoes to recent extreme winter storms. The Governor is working with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and the congressional delegation pass legislation to improve the federal formula in the disaster assistance process and help more people rebuild their lives.

"Illinois has faced a record number of historic natural disasters in recent years," Governor Quinn said. "Disaster assistance shouldn't be based on an outdated formula that excludes some of our hardest-hit communities. FEMA has been a great partner in helping individuals and businesses recover, and this legislation will allow them to assist even more communities with disaster recovery."

In the last five years, Illinois has been through 11 natural disasters, including a record drought in 2012; deadly tornadoes in 2012 and 2013; historic winter storms earlier this year; and floods, including the spring 2013 flooding in 49 counties that broke all-time records on four major river systems.

The severe winter weather in Jan. 2014 again saw the mobilization of state resources at Governor Quinn's direction - stranded motorists were rescued, roads kept open, warming centers provided and assistance offered to keep homes and businesses heated.

Governor Quinn also directed state agencies to assist citizens, businesses and local governments when catastrophic flash floods struck Illinois in April 2013. The Governor mobilized all available state resources to aid in cleanup and recovery, including debris removal, repairs, sandbagging, evacuations, supply deliveries and a grace period to file tax returns.

State assistance was also assembled for severe storms and flooding in June and July 2011, August 2010, and July 2009; tornadoes in June 2010; and severe winter storms in March 2009 and March 2011.

A tornado outbreak on Nov. 17, 2013 killed eight people, damaged or destroyed 2,500 homes and severely impacted the towns of Brookport, Gifford, New Minden, Diamond and Washington, Ill. The state was struck by 25 confirmed tornadoes in three hours, including two EF-4 twisters, the first ever of that strength during November. Governor Quinn successfully secured federal aid to assist people and businesses in 15 counties just nine days after the tornadoes caused widespread destruction across the state. However, FEMA denied the state's request for federal assistance to help local governments in nine impacted counties, based on the existing federal criteria.

These recent disasters highlight the need to update FEMA's criteria for awarding federal disaster aid. Legislation introduced in the U.S. House and Senate would bring more fairness to the federal disaster declaration process.

The Fairness in Federal Disaster Declarations Act of 2014 will give FEMA a clearer, more substantive formula when evaluating disaster areas. It will modify a flawed system that places small and rural communities in highly populated states at a disadvantage in the federal disaster declaration process. The bill assigns a specific weight to each of the factors already used by FEMA, and adds other economic factors for the agency to consider when determining whether or not an area should receive federal assistance.

Governor Quinn directed state agencies to assemble an $8.8 million aid package for the Harrisburg, Ill. area when FEMA was unable to provide aid to local governments for a Feb. 29, 2012 tornado that killed seven people. Several state of Illinois agencies provided funding and manpower to clean up, rebuild and improve storm-ravaged areas of southern Illinois as a part of Governor Quinn's commitment to make all possible assistance available to the area. The Governor also supported and signed a new state law preventing an increase in property taxes when a person rebuilds a home that was destroyed in a disaster.

Governor Quinn has also led the charge for improved state infrastructure so Illinois' vital transportation routes and water supplies are better equipped for what Mother Nature throws at the state. Shortly after taking office, Governor Quinn proposed, and the Illinois General Assembly passed, a $31 billion infrastructure construction program. In addition, the Illinois Tollway established a $12 billion construction program and the Governor created a $2 billion Clean Water Initiative to improve drinking and wastewater systems. Most recently the Governor announced legislation to expand the program to address flood and stormwater management issues in communities throughout Illinois.

Last year, Governor Quinn was appointed to the President's Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience. The task force will recommend ways to strengthen the way states and the nation respond to natural disasters.