SE Illinois News

Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) on Dec. 11 announced the next phase of the I-57 expansion as he joined IDOT officials in Benton. 

Rebuild Illinois passed in 2019, and the expansion of I-57 to six lanes between mileposts 58.6-63 was completed in 2020, according to graphics in Severin's announcement.

“Serving as State Representative is a FULL-TIME job that means being responsive to the many diverse needs of your district and showing up for the people you represent. This week, I was proud to join IDOT officials in my hometown of Benton for the next phase of the I-57 expansion,” Severin said. "This is what investing in hard infrastructure truly looks like."

According to the Journal Courier, the Rebuild Illinois bill also includes funding for airports in the state. The paper reports that $150 million in state bonds is allocated for the state's airports.

Illinois DOT notes that Rebuild Illinois includes 

• $25.4 billion for Illinois’ roads and bridges.
• $1.4 billion for major rail projects and added Grade Crossing Protection projects.
• $150 million for aeronautic facility improvements.
• $150 million in new funding for port improvements.

“We’re delivering $94 million to airports throughout the state including funding at St. Louis Regional, Central Illinois Regional, Peoria International, Quincy Regional, Rochelle Municipal, and many more aviation sites around the state," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, according to the Journal Courier. "Crucially, these dollars are going first and foremost to projects that might not otherwise be eligible for the full federal funding that they need to finish. We want our airports throughout the state to be the best in the nation, and these airport grants are making a real difference."