Illinois could have $275 million more for road and bridge projects this year if lawmakers approve a Department of Transportation funding plan when they return to Springfield on Wednesday. A document obtained by The Associated Press identifies $400 million in extra federal and freed-up state money to pump into the transit improvement program during the next five years. DOT wants to use $275 million of that this summer, which would be a 15 percent increase over the $1.76 billion planned for work this year statewide.
A spokeswoman says Senate Democrats will decide Wednesday whether to include the request in this week's three-day session. Assistant Majority Leader John Sullivan, a Rushville Democrat, says he favors the idea if transportation officials satisfactorily answer how they will spend the money.
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