Want to talk roads? IDOT's 'listening' at special forums

IDOT is listening, but the public should talk fast for their transportation priorities to reach Illinois lawmakers by the end of the spring session.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is holding "listening sessions" throughout the state to hear ideas about roads, transit, bridges, railroads, airports and waterways. The meetings start this week and continue through May 22.

The forums occur, however, at a time of fiscal restraint. Legislative leaders cut the state's road fund in March to fix a hole in the state's budget. Meanwhile, Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget proposes reductions in Metra, Pace and CTA funding.

By 2021, 40 percent of the state's highways will be in "unacceptable" condition, IDOT officials pointed out.

Acting IDOT Secretary Randy Blankenhorn characterized the meetings as a chance for a dialogue that will ultimately lead to recommendations for Rauner and the General Assembly. The governor is expected to announce a capital funding program in the coming weeks.

State Rep. David Harris, an Arlington Heights Republican, said the forums "could easily be a precursor to a capital plan."

However with the House and Senate scheduled to wrap up by the end of May, IDOT could be cutting it close, Harris noted.

"If a capital bill doesn't come out until after the 'tour,' that only leaves a week of scheduled legislative session. I think it's fair to not only hear what will be said by citizens, it's also fair to offer some ideas of how a capital plan might be paid for," Harris noted.

So far, Rauner hasn't played his hand about how to fund infrastructure, although there is some speculation about switching from a cents-per-gallon gas tax to a percentage-based rate. That would raise more money as gas prices increase.

Here are some upcoming meetings:

• 8 a.m. Friday at the University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake.

• 2 p.m. Friday at McHenry City Hall, 333 S. Green St.

• 9 a.m. May 7 in the Wheeling council chambers, 2 Community Blvd.

• 10 a.m. May 11 at the DuPage Chamber of Commerce offices, 306 Main St., West Chicago.

• 8 a.m. May 13 at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, and 11:30 a.m. May 21 at the Joliet Country Club, 1009 Spencer Road, Joliet. Admission may apply to these two events.

To RSVP for a session, call (312) 793-2242 or email Esperanza.Esparza@illinois.gov or register online at www.idot.illinois.gov/index.