It’s finally Fall. This weekend is host to the Ryder Cup. Can the US pull it off and finally beat the seemingly less talented Europeans?
On another note, I visited Wrigley Field for the first-time last weekend to see the Dead. This (12 game win streak) Cardinals’ fan was impressed by one of the cathedrals to America’s game. Chicago in the late summer and the early fall is a pretty great place.
Committee Updates
The Illinois Senate Transportation Committee will meet on Monday, September 27th at 9:30. The purpose will be a subject matter hearing on SB 1900.
This bill creates the Public-Private Partnerships Act. Creates provisions addressing agreements between public and private entities; transparency between parties; oversight of projects; compliance with state and federal law; and fairness for local jurisdictions when negotiating public-private agreements. Adds provisions containing rules for the formation of an public-private partnership agreement; the establishment of the Infrastructure Investment Commission; the process for procuring contracts; the terms of a public-private partnership agreement; the creation of development and operation standards for projects; the taxation of contractors; financial arrangements; the insurance of debt by a responsible public entity; the acquisition of property; law enforcement; confidentiality of proposals; the maximum term of a public-private agreement; reversion of property to the State; powers of a responsible public entity with respect to qualifying projects; and prohibited local action.
If long subject matter hearings aren’t your thing, I’ll have a recap for you next week.
Input Sought on New IDOT Data-Driven Decision Tool
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced this week that it is seeking input as it develops a revised project-selection process intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s transportation system. Feedback from the public and stakeholders on the department’s enhanced data-driven approach to project prioritization can be provided on a new webpage as well as a webinar on Sept. 29.
The new data-driven decisions tool will use information from IDOT’s nine districts, along with the various data tools the department currently uses, to prioritize projects that change capacity on the system.
The areas that IDOT are currently focused on involve data that show potential to impact traffic operations and congestion, economic development, safety and environmental impacts and livability. Input from local stakeholders and officials will be weighed as well.
Aviation System Plan Update
I serve as a Technical Advisory Committee Member on the Illinois Aviation System Plan Advisory Committee. The group has recently updated its third chapter on “Existing and Future System Adequacy” and would like feedback on its draft. If you are interested in this topic, you can read the chapter here: (www.ilaviation.com/draftdocuments/)
I’m happy to pass along your feedback to the committee. The deadline is a week from today, October 1st.
Brandon Road Interbasin Project Quarterly Update
As a follow-up to the Quarterly Update, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, and its non-federal partners will be hosting a virtual question and answer session Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. CST. Anyone interested in participating in the event can log on to the WebEx meeting at: https://usace1.webex.com/meet/BrandonRdUpdate. An audio-only option will also be available by calling 1-844-800-2712 and entering the meeting number: 199 338 6849. If asked to enter an attendee ID, enter #.
Congress Set to Vote on Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
From our friends at the US Chamber:
VOTE on Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – This coming Monday, Congress has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring our infrastructure into the 21st century by passing H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Please take a minute to call your members of Congress (and encourage your members to do the same) and ask that they vote YES on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. You can reach members of Congress by calling 202-225-3121 and asking to be connected to their offices. Below are additional resources explaining the contents of the bill, including our Key Vote Letter to Congress.
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Click here - Key Vote Letter on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
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Click here - Explainer of the Deadline for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act
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Click here - Summary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
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Click here - 10 Reasons Why the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Benefits All Americans
The Illinois Chamber supports this important piece of legislation and hopes for its passage next week. Illinois Chamber President Todd Maisch recently held a press conference with the Missouri Chamber CEO and the US Chamber to urge its passage.
Congratulations, Erik Varela
Former Union Pacific Railroad director Erik Varela was recently named head of the Illinois International Port District. The district owns and operates a network of harbor and berthing spaces at the mouth of the Calumet River. It covers approximately 1,600 acres and is located near several rail facilities and three interstate highways. Maritime shipping, and the Chicago Area Waterways, are a critical part of the Illinois economy. We wish Erik the best of luck in his new venture!
Articles of Interest
Until next time,
Clark
