Rep. Barbara Hernandez Attends ‘Communities in Action: Building a Better Illinois and Indiana’ at White House

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, joined other lawmakers to attend ‘Communities in Action: Building a Better Illinois and Indiana’ at the White House, where they met with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to share constituent stories and discuss the impacts of new federal infrastructure projects and investments in transportation.  

“During my time at the White House, I had the opportunity to discuss challenges that Aurorans are facing, as well as hear from Secretary Buttigieg about the many major investments Illinois will benefit from in coming years. I’m confident that those benefits will serve to combat challenges this community is currently overcoming,” Hernandez said. “Billions for better access to high-speed internet, rehabilitated roads and bridges, and water infrastructure will make major contributions to public safety while building up local economies like Aurora’s.”

Some of the federal investments will include:

• $1.5 billion for better access to high-speed internet
• $11.3 billion for highway and bridge improvement
• $751 million for new water infrastructure
• $4.5 billion for expanded public transit systems
• $14.1 billion for 365 miscellaneous local infrastructure projects

“Investing in public transit will be a vital building block for Illinois’ future as well,” Hernandez said. “Overall, these expansions will be faster, cheaper, more cost-effective and substantially decrease the environmental impact of commuting. This funding, combined with the substantial efforts Illiinois is already engaging in, will result in a much stronger future for Aurora.”