© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

National Mayors' Association Focuses On Transportation

Ralph Weisheit

The nation's Mayors are getting a look at the new transportation bill and what's in it for them. WGLT's Hanna Gutmann reports from the national meeting in Washington that Normal Mayor Chris Koos says the biggest problem is the new bill still has an old funding mechanism and priorities.Normal Mayor Chris Koos says while more people prefer bikes, rail, and public transportation, the new highway bill is dependent on cars, driving, and the gas tax. With the fight over federal Amtrak dollars, Governor Bruce Rauner's proposed state Amtrak cuts, and a need for capacity, Koos says the bill's priorities don't meet Normal's needs.

Still, Koos is asking Senators to push for a $12 million underpass project in Uptown and he is hopeful some of the other next generation transportation projects can also be paid for.

Related Content