Gordon-Booth Highlights Local Projects in New Transportation Plan

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is highlighting local projects critical to improving and rebuilding transportation infrastructure in Peoria that are part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) new Multi-Year Program (MYP) and the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure program.

“This year in my role as Deputy Majority Leader, I was proud to help bring a bipartisan group of legislators together to work with the Pritzker administration to create a roadmap and funding plan for investing in our state’s roads, bridges and overall transportation system after years of mismanagement and neglect by the prior administration,” Gordon-Booth said. “With the announcement of IDOT’s new Multi-Year Program, Peorians can look forward to several critical infrastructure projects that will improve roads and transportation in our community, helping connect communities and create better opportunities for businesses.”

As Deputy Majority Leader in the Illinois House, Gordon-Booth helped lead negotiations for the historic Rebuild Illinois bipartisan infrastructure program, which will invest $45 billion in transportation infrastructure, railways, education facilities and veteran’s facilities over several years. Over $33 billion in the Rebuild Illinois program is dedicated for transportation projects, including over $14 billion for new road and bridge projects and $11 billion dedicated to completing IDOT’s MYP. Nearly $270 million in highway projects will take place in Gordon-Booth’s district.

Two local projects featured in IDOT’s newest MYP are part of the Illinois Major Bridge Program and will invest over $220 million locally for bridge replacements and utility adjustments on Harmon Highway and War Memorial Drive, which will also feature culvert replacement and ramp modifications. Other local construction projects include improvements to Knoxville Avenue and Pioneer Parkway. Additionally, funding will be provided for a comprehensive rail study as a first step to ensuring passenger rail returns to Peoria for the first time in decades.

“This historic investment in local infrastructure will not only improve our roads and bridges, but it will provide good jobs for local residents,” Gordon-Booth said. “Building a stronger Illinois means that we must invest in our state’s role as a national transportation hub that connects communities, creates opportunities for business and provides needed jobs for residents.”