State funding log jam delays local infrastructure projects

School expansion, road improvements, sewer replacement and other infrastructure projects in the western suburbs may be delayed a lot longer.

A proposed $25.4 billion capital bill remains on hold in the state legislature. In September, the state Senate approved a bill, which has yet to make it out of the House.

There appear to be two road blocks. One is a lack of agreement between House Speaker Michael Madigan and Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

"This ongoing battle between Madigan and Blagojevich is an obstacle we can't overcome," said state Rep. Angelo "Skip" Saviano (R-77th) of River Grove.

The other obstacle is how the state will fund the bill.

"Basically, the state doesn't have any money to fund (the bill)," said Chrissy Mancini, associate director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank in Chicago.

"(Nov. 10) the Department of Revenue forecast the state is $800 million down from its earlier projections," Mancini said. "That's just insurmountable."

The state last approved a capital bill in 1999 called Illinois First. Besides improving infrastructure, said Saviano, such projects create jobs, bring tax dollars to local governments and help the overall economy.

Should the state legislature fail to approve a capital bill by the end of 2008, it also loses a chance at federal matching funds totaling $6.1 billion.

"The presidency could effect that, but the state will still have to put up some money and I just don't see where they are going to get that from," Mancini said.

In Northlake, Mayor Jeff Sherwin would like to see money invested in upgrading North Avenue between Railroad Avenue and Berteau Avenue. He'd also like to see repairs done on portions of Lake Street and Mannheim Road.

"The deferred maintenance on all state roads is really taking its toll," Sherwin said.

The West Central Municipal Conference would like to see money put aside for a 25th Avenue corridor study, said Lenny Cannata, planning coordinator. The study would involve Broadview, Maywood, Bellwood and Melrose Park.

"We definitely need one," Cannata said. "There is a lot of new development going on. It is already plagued by congestion. Also, to prepare for a combined Bellwood/Melrose Park Metra station."

State Sen. Don Harmon (D-39th) of Oak Park thinks a bill can be passed if the stakeholders all get together. As for the money, Harmon says there are options.

"We've debated an expansion of gambling, monetization of the state lottery, fees and charges and tax increases," Harmon said. "I think it is a question of when it will be approved. We're just having trouble working out the details."