News From

State Representative Ron Stephens

 

For Immediate Release:                                                                      April 3, 2009

Contact:          Rep. Stephens

                        618-651-0405

 

House Approves Basic

Capital Construction Plan

Stephens: 102nd District will see many improvements

 

Springfield State Representatives Ron Stephens (R-Highland) proudly joined the Illinois House of Representatives in voting to approve a basic capital construction plan, designed to improve infrastructure and create jobs in Illinois.

 

“We’ve been working for years to create jobs through a capital plan in Illinois,” Rep. Stephens said. “This is not everything we had hoped to accomplish, but working with Governor Quinn we have created an open and transparent process. I’m proud to be able to bring home the funding necessary to improve roads and, more importantly, create jobs in my district.”

 

The capital plan will provide funding throughout the state, thanks in large part to the federal stimulus package, which will be used to pay for mainly road resurfacing and repair work.  As a part of the plan the 102nd District will receive at least $66 million. 

 

“This plan allows us to accomplish projects, which may have taken as many as five years, in up to two years,” Rep. Stephens said. “Illinois’ unemployment rate has rocketed to 8.6% and many parts of the state are facing double-digit unemployment. With the passage of this plan, we’re going to be able to create jobs now, when we need them the most.”

 

According to Rep. Stephens, some of the projects that would receive funding within the 102nd District include:

  • $25 million in Bond County for the resurfacing of Interstate 70 
  • $3 million in Madison County for the resurfacing of Interstate 70 
  • $38 million in the city of Troy for the construction of a new overpass

 

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“Today, a dark cloud settled over Illinois with the indictment of former Governor Blagojevich,” Stephens said. “But this capital plan shows that we can achieve progress in Illinois.  This is a win for everyone in the state.”

 

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