Reitz Passes Resolution to Extend Southwest Connector Task Force

RED BUD, Ill. – To help study the financial and regional impact of an increased four lane highway to provide further connections in Southwest Illinois, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, passed a resolution allowing the task force further time to meet and provide recommendations to IDOT on the feasibility and further action.

“Our transportation system is critical in downstate Illinois, not only because of the amount of roadways, but also because of the financial impact that our transportation system has serving as a hub in the Heartland,” said Reitz. “Local officials have worked hard to put forth more recommendations and ideas about ways to create a new four-lane, divided highway in the Southwest region of our state, along with other improvements that would follow. This would allow the already-created task force more time to look at the potential financial impacts and ways forward before issuing a report to the General Assembly on the highway.”

Reitz passed Senate Joint Resolution 4, which extends the time the Southwest Illinois Connector Task Force has to study the cost, feasibility, and environmental impact of the proposed four lane divided highway, along with the short and long term economic impact to the region, and all options for funding both public and private. The task force is composed of local elected officials, state elected officials, and from organizations representing labor, realtors, local governments, education and the Kaskaskia Regional Port District. The resolution passed both the House and Senate with unanimous support.

“I want to thank all of the local leaders who have put their time and energy into this project,” said Reitz. “By allowing this task force more time to look at the short and long term effects on the region, it enables leaders to make decisions that best benefit our communities.”