McHenry Times

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Dist. 14) hosted a roundtable in Chicago on Monday with state and federal policymakers to discuss Illinois' transportation infrastructure needs with stakeholders.

Twenty five representatives from Illinois transportation authorities, universities, governments and businesses met with Hultgren and Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The group discussed the challenge of upgrading Chicago's infrastructure, as well as the need for long-term transportation funding for the entire region.

“The Chicago region is a central hub of transportation in our nation and world, from the commuters who use our roads and trains every day to get to work, to the vast amount of freight, food and manufactured products that pass through our ports, highways and rails," Hultgren said. "However, we face roads in disrepair and a failing infrastructure. Those challenges are coupled with a lack of adequate long-term funding and a hampered ability to capitalize on technical innovation."

Shuster is working on long-term highway reauthorization legislation this week, Hultgren said.