How IDOT's Budget Benefits Local Agencies By JOHN McCREE Illinois Department of Transportation

The Illinois Department of Transportation budget for FY88 was approved by Governor Thompson on July 20, 1987. Of the $1,817.5 million appropriation amount, over $700 million is provided as local government assistance. Major programs and their funding levels are shown on the following table:

Department of Transportation Local Assistance; FY88 Appropriation
Program	$ millions
Motor Fuel Tax Distribution		$334.4
—Counties	117.1
—Municipalities	164.2
—Road Districts	53.1
Public Transportation		152.1
Highway Construction		146.0
Aeronautics		46.0
Township Bridge		15.0
Grade Crossing Protection		11.5
	Total	$705.0

By far, the most generous program is the Motor Fuel Tax distribution. The Department allocates by formula, almost one-half of all Motor Fuel Tax receipts. In addition, a portion of the state's sales tax on gasoline is distributed to counties, municipalities, townships and road districts for local road projects.

To help local governments improve mass transportation services, the Department provides operating and capital subsidies and technical assistance to public transportation systems in Northeastern Illinois and the Bi-State and downstate areas. These state funds match $339 million in available federal transit funds. Among other things, this money is used to improve downtown subway stations, to improve parking and to purchase paratransit vehicles for the elderly and handicapped.

Almost one-fifth of the state's funding for highway construction is provided to assist local governments. This includes resurfacing and widening rural highways and urban streets, and improving urban intersections and traffic bottlenecks.

The Department provides assistance for planning, programming, administration and construction of local airport improvement projects. Specifically, the Aeronautics program will continue the construction of a new terminal at the University of Illinois — Willard Airport, revitalization of Midway Airport, and pavement and lighting rehabilitation projects at airports throughout the state.

Each year, $15 million is allocated to the township bridge program. Funds are used for the construction of township bridges 20 feet or more in length for (1) the safe transportation of school children, (2) the movement of agricultural equipment and products, (3) rural mail routes, and (4) the traffic needs of the general public. Funds are allocated to each eligible road district based on the total township mileage.

Local railroad crossing improvements, and the installation of grade crossing protection or grade separations is funded in part by the State's grade crossing protection program. Although the money for this program is in the Department of Transportation budget, the Illinois Commerce Commission must approve qualified projects which are undertaken to reduce accidents and fatalities at crossings.

In addition, the Department provides some financial and/or technical assistance in the areas of traffic accident statistics; flood control; highway safety; transportation planning, and Rail Freight service. The Department of Transportation views the local agencies as valuable partners in a comprehensive transportation network for the State of Illinois. •

August 1987 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 13