By Townhall Chicago News Staff
The Illinois Tollway on Wednesday introduced a tentative $2.4 billion budget for 2027 and invited the public to review the spending plan and submit comments before a final vote in December.
The balanced budget allocates $511 million for annual maintenance and operations on the agency’s 294-mile system and commits $1.45 billion for capital investments, including funding for the first year of the Tollway’s new long-term Driving Connections capital program.
“This is a well thought out spending plan that invests customers’ tolls strategically and maximizes efficiencies across our agency,” Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said in a news release. “We have committed to provide the highest level of safety and service to our 1.7 million daily drivers. We are also ensuring delivery of infrastructure improvements, including the launch of Driving Connections, supporting job creation and economic development opportunities across the 12 counties we serve.”
The proposed spending plan also includes funding for the 16th year of the agency’s $15 billion Move Illinois capital program and the third year of Bridging the Future, according to the release.
In August, the Board of Directors approved Driving Connections, a $26.5 billion capital program designed to shape investment across the Tollway system through 2042. The program addresses congestion, aging infrastructure and transportation needs across the region, according to the Tollway.
Nearly 79 percent of the budget’s revenues are allocated to support infrastructure improvements, system maintenance and debt service, according to the release.
“The Tollway Board has called on staff to prepare a 2027 Budget that demonstrates our efforts to maximize operating efficiencies and spend responsibly,” Illinois Tollway Board Chairman Arnie Rivera said in the release. “The Board is committed to transparency and accountability about how our customers’ tolls are spent, so we welcome public comment on this budget plan.”
The Tollway will hold two public hearings to accept comments. The first is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at Silver Cross Hospital, Pavilion A, Lower Level, Conference Center, 1900 Silver Cross Blvd. in New Lenox. The second hearing will take place Thursday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. at Illinois Tollway headquarters in Downers Grove.
Residents may also submit written comments through the Tollway’s website at illinoistollway.com, by email to info@getipass.com or by mail to the Communications Department, 2700 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515, by Nov. 20.
The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains 294 miles of roadways in 12 counties in northern Illinois.
The Board of Directors will review public comments and incorporate any updates before a final budget is presented for approval at the December board meeting.
