ISFAC: IDOT invites submissions for $200 million freight program
Yesterday, IDOT announced that applications are being accepted for its competitive grant program to improve the mobility of freight throughout the state while providing long-term benefits in congestion relief and economic opportunity. Applications are due Dec. 19 for up to $200 million in National Highway Freight Program funds to be distributed through 2026, with 30% slated for intermodal rail and water projects.
Administered by IDOT using federal funds, the competitive grant program is designed to implement the goals of the Illinois State Freight Plan. Successful proposals will address one or more goals of the plan, such as increasing safety, improving reliability and boosting intermodal connections and commerce at the local level.
Eligible applicants include government agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions. Project proposals from private entities must have a public sponsor. Applications and qualification information is available on IDOT’s website under Illinois Competitive Freight Program. Grant awards will be announced in the spring.
Federal Rail Policy and Labor Negotiations Update from G0RAIL
The following information is provided courtesy of Emily Traiforos and GORAIL. We appreciate the Railroad-focused advocacy provided by this organization at both the state and national levels.
Labor Negotiations:
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After a long negotiation that came down to the wire in mid-September, railroads and labor union leaders arrived at a tentative agreement, averting a destructive nationwide rail shutdown. Central pillars of the deal include: a 24% raise, including an immediate payout of over $11k on average, $5k in bonuses, no significant changes to healthcare costs, and an additional day off. There are nearly 12,000 rail employees in Illinois, currently earning wages and benefits over $134,000 on average.
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In a joint statement, the two largest labor unions pointed to historic gains in quality of life as well as the highest general wage increases for workers “in over 45 years.” President Biden, whose administration played a key role in shepherding the negotiations, celebrated the outcome, noting that workers “will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their healthcare costs.”
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The tentative agreements now require approval from rank-and-file workers. So far, half of the 12 rail unions have approved of their agreements and two have rejected them, with the remaining four groups voting in November. You can find the current voting status and a more detailed FAQ here.
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If even just one union rejects their agreement and cannot reach a new compromise, all may join a strike. Analysis suggests that the cost of a nationwide rail stoppage would be over $2 billion daily. The Federal Railroad Administration estimated in 1992 that a two-week strike at the time would have resulted in 570,000 layoffs in rail-served industries. Not to mention the impact on consumers: higher prices, empty shelves, and worsened inflation.
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Workers deserve these hard-earned compensation and benefits gains and it is critical that the White House continues to work with leaders at both railroads and unions to achieve this outcome. Over 320 business groups sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging its continued engagement toward ensuring these agreements are ratified.
Federal Rail Policy:
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You likely heard from me this summer about the “Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act,” a reauthorization bill for the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) introduced in August (the Illinois Chamber wrote an op-ed on this topic in early September). The misguided legislation would insert the government into the day-to-day operations of railroads, making it harder for them to compete and keep investing into infrastructure at high levels.
- While we originally expected the bill would be fast-tracked for action in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the post-recess time frame, it was not included in an anticipated September mark-up. That said, it is very much still in play, and we continue to monitor its progress in Congress.
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The Board, which oversees the economic regulation of railroads, is the most active it has ever been with 10+ active proceedings, including forced switching and proposed new procedures for resolving rate disputes. Just last week, the STB announced an extension of required performance reporting for BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific—while also noting that “many key performance indicators are trending in a positive direction.”
Legislative Update
HB 5837, Video Gaming Funds was introduced. This bill amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that for revenue generated under provisions concerning imposition and distribution of tax after $850,000,000, funds shall be distributed as follows: one-sixth shall be distributed to the Department of Human Services Community Services Fund for mental health services and treatment; one-sixth shall be distributed to the Local Government Distributive Fund; and two-thirds shall be distributed to the Capital Projects Fund.
HB 5844, Navigable Waters was introduced. This bill amends the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Provides that the public right to access and use navigable waters includes all rights recognized by State or federal law, including the rights set forth in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 and the federal navigational servitude, and all rights arising under the public trust doctrine, which shall be understood and applied in a manner consistent with the spirit of the Act to maximize the full and free enjoyment of State waters by the public. Provides that any segment of a lake, river, or stream that is capable of supporting use by commercial or recreational watercraft for a substantial part of the year, or that is actually so used, shall be deemed navigable, and shall be open to public access and use, unless the contrary is proven in litigation by a preponderance of the evidence. Provides that no action or inaction by the Department of Natural Resources shall create a presumption, in any civil or criminal litigation, against the navigability of any waterway segment. Provides that the public right to access and use navigable waters shall be subject to specified protections and limitations, and a violation shall be punished as otherwise provided by law and, if likely to continue, enjoined by a court of competent jurisdiction. Provides that nothing in the Act shall limit the right of any person to challenge the legality of alleged interference with the public right to access or use navigable waters in any appropriate civil or criminal litigation.
Rulemaking
In the November 14th and the November 18th edition of the Illinois Register there was no proposed rulemaking of note for the subject area covered by this Council.
Illinois Soybean Association: Bridge Bundling
The Illinois Soybean Association invites you to explore bridge bundling, a concept that allows a number of bridges to be repaired quicker and at less expense.
Fill out this form from the ISA to learn more and to access many resources on the topic of bridge bundling.
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