Title/Name/Summary
RESOLUTION URGING PASSAGE OF A COMPREHENSIVE CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
Body
WHEREAS, passing a comprehensive Capital Infrastructure Program in the 2009 Legislative Session is critical to Illinois; and
WHEREAS, ten years have passed since the Illinois General Assembly and Governor last passed and signed into law a comprehensive Capital Infrastructure Program; and
WHEREAS, local communities are facing the problem of maintaining their roadways, bridges, water systems and sewer systems to meet growing needs; and
WHEREAS, units of local government have responsibility for over 88% of the public roads; and
WHEREAS, Motor Fuel Tax Allocations for municipal, county and township roads and bridges are only 10% higher than they were eight years ago, yet the cost of construction on local roads is 90% higher during that same timeframe; and
WHEREAS, the Motor Fuel Tax has not been changed since it was raised to 19 cents a gallon in 1990; and after expenses are removed the balance of the 19 cent Motor Fuel Tax is distributed as follows: 45.6% to the state, 26.7 % to municipalities; 19.1% to counties; and 8.6% to townships; and
WHEREAS, it is extremely important that the dollars are divided by formula and that the current formula is kept intact; and that units of local government have the opportunity to control what projects will be funded in their respective jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, regardless of the funding source (a Motor Fuel Tax or income tax increase), it is critical that local governments receive their fair share and are treated equitably in any capital bill; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Illinois Municipal League and all units of local government believe it is imperative that a comprehensive capital infrastructure bill be passed in 2009; and that local governments receive an equitable share of such capital infrastructure program to be delivered through existing formula.