Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Randy Blackenhorn said state roadway tolls are not going anywhere; not exactly what Illinois commuters had in mind for transportation funding.
“The truth is unless we are willing to put significantly more state and federal money into the system, tolls are going to be the way we fund the system. It's not going to be the only way, but it's going to be part of the package," Blackenhorn told Kane County officials.
Blackenhorn’s statement followed a series of questions from Kane County-area government employees. When polled, the audience rated the county’s infrastructure as “Just OK.” When asked about how to generate additional transportation revenue, there was no support for new tolls.
Instead, many proposed tying motor fuel tax rates to inflation as an alternative way to bring in roads and bridges funding.
“The history of borrowing money to fund all segments of transportation, including ongoing maintenance, must end,” Blackenhorn said.
Commuters can expect to see new tolls for Longmeadow Parkway, located near the Kane and McHenry County border. The amount of the toll will depend on state and federal funds generated for the project.
Blackenhorn also said state budget cuts will not deter existing Kane County transportation projects.
