Written by Steans Staff Thursday, 01 September 2011 09:14
Legislation allows partnerships between the state, private companies
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) that creates the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act was recently signed by Governor Quinn.
House Bill 1091 allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Toll Highway Authority to enter into agreements with private companies for the development, financing, and operation of transportation projects, including the building of highways, passenger railways, and intermodal facilities. "With the signing of this legislation, Illinois now has additional options for the financing and development of much needed infrastructure improvements throughout the state," Senator Steans said. "As federal funds for transportation projects continue to diminish, it is essential the state have all available resources at its disposal to ensure the development of projects that will bring continued economic development to our state." Oversight measures included in House Bill 1091 include the need for General Assembly approval of all projects as well as the independent review of proposals by the Center on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA). Additional conditions mandate the entering into a project labor agreement between contractors and workers and the adherence of Prevailing Wage Act requirements. House Bill 1091 passed the Illinois Senate in May on a 33-12 vote.
Senator Steans Menu
7th District
Years served: Appointed February 2008 - Present
Committee assignments: Human Services; Appropriations II; Public Health; Education (Vice-Chairperson); Environment (Vice-Chairperson); Committee of the Whole; Subcommittee on Amendments (Sub-Chairperson); Deficit Reduction; Subcomm.Medicaid &Provider Rate Ref; Subcommittee on Special Issues.
Biography: Born May 8, 1963, in Lake Forest, IL; B.A. in Urban Studies from Princeton; M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government; former budget director, WI Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations and former strategic planner, Chicago Public Schools; married (husband, Leo Smith) with three children.