Illinois considers scaling back $25B in construction projects

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By Mike Riopell | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 |

SPRINGFIELD — The latest price tag on lawmakers’ plans to fix Illinois bridges and school buildings is about $25 billion.

But that number may be looking a little steep as lawmakers this year have rejected ideas to raise state revenues to pay for the long-sought construction work.

Now, some are saying they might be willing to settle for a less expensive bricks and mortar program if that’s the only way to make one happen.

“If we can’t find the revenue, then let’s do as much as we can,” said state Rep. Bob Filder,

D-Mount Zion.

The $25 billion program could pay for a wide array of projects, from new university buildings to basic prison maintenance.

While not tied directly to construction, lawmakers this spring already have rejected two changes to the state income tax that could have resulted in more money flowing into the state.

If the construction plan was downsized, fewer projects would get done. And that means fewer jobs created. But it’s been more than a year of failed attempts to get something done at all.

“I would be interested in anything,” said state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton. “If we can downsize, I don’t have a problem.”

Others are wary of the idea of cutting back. A similar construction program hasn’t been approved since 1999 when George Ryan was governor.

“There’s been some talk about a scaled down version,” said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville. “Kind of a bare bones, but I’m not sure that gets the job done.”

And some worry not spending enough will mean a lost opportunity to get the federal government to pay its share.

While the state has to come up with most of the money for construction, the federal government will chip in for some road and bridge work. The more the state spends, the more the federal government will match, to a point.

The price tag aside, politics continues to play a role in the issue. Top lawmakers all have varying ideas for ways to pay for a construction program and many lawmakers are skittish about giving Gov. Rod Blagojevich power to hand out the money.

State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said that concern will remain whether lawmakers agree to spend $15 billion or $35 billion.

“That same lack of trust will apply,” Rose said.

Mike Riopell can be contacted at (217) 789-0865 or mike.riopell@lee.net.