Durbin Joins Illinois Municipal League, Highlights Federal Relief For Local Governments
CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined mayors and village presidents from around Illinois at the Illinois Municipal League’s board meeting to discuss how new federal investments are helping cities and towns across Illinois recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and build towards the future. Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan Illinois is receiving historic investments in local governments, infrastructure, health care, housing, and education.
“Throughout this pandemic, local governments have been on the frontlines, fighting every day to provide the support that families need. I’m proud to have helped support these efforts by delivering federal funds to Illinois via COVID relief bills, and most recently through the bipartisan infrastructure bill. These investments are bringing direct and flexible funding that municipalities around our state can use to get through this health crisis, deliver support for working families, and create a stronger economy,” Durbin said. “I applaud the Illinois Municipal League for their tireless advocacy on behalf of our towns and cities, especially during the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.”
“Every community in Illinois, from small to large, will benefit from the critical federal funding provided by the American Rescue Plan and other relief bills - whether it’s funding for local governments, COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution, or infrastructure projects that will create jobs. We appreciate Senator Durbin’s efforts in bringing these investments to Illinois, and will continue working to ensure our municipalities know what funding is available to them,” said Brad Cole, Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League.
Through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which was signed into law by President Biden in March, Illinois received $14 billion in state and local fiscal relief funding, including nearly $6 billion for Illinois municipalities. These flexible funds can be used for pandemic costs, to replace lost revenue, and for local infrastructure and economic development.
The recently-signed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will invest $1.2 trillion in the nation’s infrastructure over five years. Illinois will receive $17 billion in direct and guaranteed funding, including:
- $9.8 billion in highway formula funding
- $1.4 billion in bridge replace/repair formula funding
- $4 billion in transit formula funding
- $1.7 billion in water infrastructure formula funding
- $616 million to fund airport improvements
- $149 million for expansion of EV charging
- $100 million for expansion of broadband
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