CHICAGO - April 17, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn was informed that Illinois ranks first in the number of projects and the amount of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars approved by the Obama Administration. So far, Illinois has received funding approval for 249 projects worth $606 million, more than any other state, according to federal transportation officials. These awarded projects are expected to create and retain an estimated 9,000 jobs.

 

“Illinois is proud to lead the way in this important recovery effort,” said Governor Quinn. “But this is just the start. Illinois will continue to use stimulus funds to create jobs right now while also investing in the future of our transportation system.”

 

To date, $6.5 billion of the $27.5 billion has been approved nationally in the federal recovery package for highways and bridges. Earlier this week, President Obama announced more than 2,000 transportation projects that won federal approval for stimulus money. 

 

“We have been working diligently to get the lists submitted so that we don’t lose a dollar,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.  “We are ready and committed to building better roads and we look forward to an active construction season.” 

 

Examples of Illinois projects include $29 million to replace a bridge and build a new interchange on Interstates 55 and 70 in Madison County and $5.5 million to resurface a portion of Route 137 in northeast Illinois.

 

Each state has until June 17 to use the first half of their share of highway funds for “quick-start” projects or risk losing the money.

 

Visit www.dot.il.gov/stimulus/index.html for a complete list of projects that the Illinois Department of Transportation submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation.