Transportation is the backbone of our economy. It moves people to their jobs, children to school, produce and livestock from farms to sale, products to retail, and even information to consumers. A reliable, efficient, and safe transportation network is vital for families as well as commerce. I believe it is imperative that the federal government provide local and state governments with the flexibility required to best meet the needs of very diverse states across our nation as well as long term certainty when it comes to funding so they can plan and deliver projects. I am committed to fighting for transparency, local control, and streamlined processes so projects can get done in a timely fashion while maintaining safety standards. Whether roads, bridges, railways, transit, ports, airways, or locks and dams on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers—improving new and existing infrastructure is vital for economic growth and job creation. 

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is formally accepting Member Designated Project requests from House Members for possible inclusion in this year’s surface transportation authorization legislation. Congressman Darin LaHood has recommended to the Committee that certain projects in Illinois 18th Congressional District be considered to receive funding through the Member Designated Project process. You can view this information here.