Illinois § 5

§ 5.

Findings. The General Assembly finds the following: (1) Illinois' transportation system is crucial to every resident, employee, and business. It serves as the backbone of the economy and is a critical component of Illinois' economic competitiveness. (2) The State must continue to pursue an equitable transportation network in which marginalized communities have improved access to all modes of transportation, thereby enhancing access to jobs, housing, and other services. (3) Illinois is home to an expansive transportation network, currently ranking third in the nation for the number of roadway miles and bridges, totaling 127,044 and 26,848, respectively. The State also has 6,883 miles of freight railway, 1,118 inland waterway miles, 58 transit systems with over 450 million annual transit trips, and 17 major airports. (4) The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan adopted in 2019 will end in June 2025. (5) The motor fuel tax and vehicle registration fees remain the most significant form of transportation funding for Illinois. (6) Illinois will continue to contend with transportation funding shortfalls due to increasing vehicle fuel efficiency and the rising popularity of electric vehicles. (7) New and innovative funding and policy options are needed to adequately maintain Illinois' transportation systems and support future growth. (8) The General Assembly should study these issues to determine funding mechanisms for transportation projects and operations in Illinois, policy changes to support the efficient governance and delivery of transportation projects, and the workforce needed to support the future transportation system. (Source: P.A. 102-988, eff. 5-27-22; reenacted by P.A. 103-461, eff. 8-4-23.)