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HARMON URGES GOVERNOR QUINN TO SIGN CAPITAL PLAN

Springfield, IL- State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) supported
measures this week creating a comprehensive capital program for state infrastructure improvements. The bill passed the House yesterday and now awaits Governor Quinn's signature.

House Bill 312 will invest roughly $30 billion in state infrastructure
and job creation. The first major capital plan in Illinois in a decade,
the bill is in response to crumbling infrastructure and a declining
economy in Illinois. The bill will also allow the State to capture more
matching federal dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"This bill is a solution to a problem that we have allowed to build for
too long," Harmon said. "Illinois is in desperate need of job creation
and infrastructure improvements and we cannot wait another year,
especially in today's economy."

The selection of projects funded by the capital bill is dictated by
statutory program rules.

Several of the projects in Harmon's district include:

*    Mannheim Road - $18,150,000 for bridge replacement and
construction engineering

*    North Avenue - $16,104,000 for resurfacing and bridge
replacement

*    Grand Avenue - $1,930,000 for resurfacing

*    Fullerton Avenue - $500,000 for culvert replacement

*    Lake Street - $400,000 for resurfacing

*    Howe Elementary School, 37th Ward - $3,334,932 for
roof repairs

*    Triton College - $10,666,100 for renovating and expanding the technology building

*    Dominican University - $3,870,776 for capital improvements

*    Concordia University - $3,831,498 for capital improvements

Communities in Harmon's district will receive supplemental funding
pursuant to the per-capita motor fuel tax distribution formula. The
following amounts are expected to be distributed:

*    Bensenville - $455,193
*    Chicago - $63,674,118
*    Elmwood Park - $558,575
*    Franklin Park - $427,291
*    Melrose Park - $513,194
*    Northlake - $261,159
*    Oak Park - $1,154,835
*    River Forest - $255,816
*    River Grove - $234,555
*    Rosemont - $92,872
*    Schiller Park - $260,544
*    Stone Park - $112,726

The capital program also included $50 million for capital grants to
public libraries for permanent improvements. Public transit such as
CTA, METRA, PACE and downstate transit will be provided with
$2 billion in funding for construction assistance, grants and project assistance.

"I encourage Governor Quinn to sign this capital plan to give Illinois
the economic boost we need," said Harmon.

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