Tollway budget ties in rate hikes with new construction spending

Toll increases that kick in Jan. 1 will raise millions to fund a massive construction program, and the Illinois tollway’s new budget reflects that change with a capital plan that’s more than doubled in 2012.

The agency’s preliminary 2012 fiscal plan anticipates $973 million in spending and a similar amount in revenue, compared to $680 million this year.

The 2012 $607 million capital budget represents a 118 percent jump from the 2011 budgeted amount of $279 million.

“Next year is a ramp-up year for us,” tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said at a Wednesday meeting.

Rate hikes of 35 to 45 cents at most plazas along with higher fees at ramps will fund the Illinois State Toll Highway’s $12 billion plan to repair existing roads along with widening the Jane Addams Tollway (I-90), building an interchange at I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway, and extending the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway to the airport.

The new fees are estimated to generate about $265 million in 2012.

About $15 million will be spent in 2012 to widen existing bridges on the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway in preparation for the extension project. And, $12 million is allocated to construct embankments and bridge supports on the Tri-State as part of the interchange.

The tollway’s operating budget, which includes items such as salaries, equipment and supplies, is $266 million in 2012 as opposed to the $255 million budgeted in 2011. The 4.3 percent increase partly comes from higher credit card fees associated with the extra business generated by the toll hike. Pension payments for employees are also expected to cost more, finance chief Mike Colsch said.

The agency is negotiating with credit card companies — particularly American Express, which charges the highest fees — to get some reductions, Lafleur said.

Although the switch to construction mode means hiring about 20 engineers, technicians, managers and support staff, this is offset by the elimination of 19 vacant toll collector jobs, officials said. The agency had 477 toll collector positions in 2011.

Meanwhile, the group Taxpayers United of America has an Oct. 26 court date asking a Cook County circuit judge to enter a restraining order against the tollway preventing the rate increase from going into effect in January.