The Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation to require Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) road studies on traffic and environmental impact to be made public, which could potentially provide savings on local projects while improving transparency on state decisions.
The legislation was sponsored by State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) in the Senate and filed by Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) in the House.
“By making these reports public, counties and local governments can save the taxpayers significant money for road projects, if the state has already put together a similar report,” said Senator Plummer. “At the same time, it will make sure there is more transparency in state decision making, we will know what they are basing decisions on, and whether or not it is the right move.”
House Bill 5138 specifically requires that IDOT make public any study or survey that concerns traffic or the environmental impact of road construction projects.
The legislation passed the Illinois Senate on May 16th and now heads to the Governor.