State must invest in its infrastructure

Like cash-strapped parents faced with finding new income sources or trimming household spending to pay college tuition for their children, our state lawmakers face tough choices over footing the bill for Illinois' future transportation needs.

The needs are many. Congestion is on the rise. The Federal Highway Administration expects vehicle miles of travel to increase by another 42 percent between 2003 and 2020, while new highway lanes will only increase by 3 percent. The costs for maintaining this transportation system are far outstripping revenue and Illinois' roads and bridges are in desperate need of repair.

We're on a collision course. In Illinois we have the potent combination of a growing population, strong economy, increased congestion, overdue transportation system maintenance, but a reluctance to boost transportation investment dollars. As the nation's oldest and largest organization dedicated to the motoring public, we urge our state government to invest in Illinois' roads, bridges, transit systems, railways and airports. Transportation is the backbone of our economy; it's now up to our state government to ensure we have the system needed to maintain economic viability and our lifestyle.

Brad Roeber

Regional President

AAA Chicago

Aurora