Illinois to Receive $17 billion from Bipartisan Infrastructure Package (Springfield, IL) — House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch applauded the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. When signed into law by President Joe Biden, the legislation will create a generation of good-paying union jobs and modernize our state’s aging infrastructure.

“This legislation is critical for the future of Illinois and the rest of the country,” said Speaker Welch. “It is the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and will boost our economy by creating millions of jobs. This bill is also a major step forward in the fight against climate change, and paired with the work already done in the state legislature, Illinois remains a leader for the nation in a clean energy economy.”

As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, spending from the plan “will impact all of Illinois from Chicago to Cairo.” The legislation will repair and rebuild roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, it will improve healthy, sustainable transportation options, and build the first-ever national network of electric vehicle chargers to provide convenient charging options. It will expand broadband to ensure every Illinoisan has access to high-speed internet and will deliver clean drinking water to every home by eliminating lead service lines and pipes.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the work of Congress and the leadership of President Biden,” said Speaker Welch. “Negotiated and passed in a bipartisan way, this historic infrastructure package will supercharge our economy and provide meaningful investment in our future.”

According to an analysis by Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and the White House, the Illinois impact over five years is:

$1.7 billion to “improve drinking and wastewater infrastructure throughout Illinois,” building on legislative proposals Duckworth has been leading.
$9.8 billion for federal highway projects.
$1.4 billion for bridge replacement and repairs. Plus the state could get more if successful in competitive grants.
About $4 billion “to improve public transportation options across the state.”
At least $100 million for broadband coverage across the state. At present, there are about 228,000 Illinoisans who currently do not have broadband. About 2.9 million low-income Illinoisans would get an internet access benefit.
Approximately $616 million for airport improvements. Under a new Airport Terminal Improvement program, a $5 billion funding pool will be in place through Sept. 30, 2030, for the secretary of transportation to provide competitive grants for “projects that address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports.”
$149 million to fund the expansion of the electric charging network in Illinois. Plus, Illinois interests could compete for EV charging grants from a $2.5 billion pool.
$27 million to protect against wildfires
$22 million to protect against cyberattacks.

Illinois to Receive $17 billion from Bipartisan Infrastructure Package

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