Cook County spends federal, state, local tax dollars on transportation projects

(The Center Square) – Taxpayers are funding new transportation projects in suburban parts of Cook County.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the county’s transportation network is one of its greatest assets.

“Roads, bridges, pedestrian and bicycle paths, as well as public transit, all play an essential role in moving people and goods throughout Cook County safely and efficiently,” Preckwinkle said.

Preckwinkle announced nearly $8 million in county taxpayer dollars to leverage nearly $42 million in local, state and federal taxpayer funds.

Preckwinkle said more than 60% of the funding is directed to projects in low and moderate income areas.

“Making equitable investments has been and will continue to be the top priority for my administration,” Preckwinkle said.

The funding will be distributed across 26 municipalities for transportation-related projects.

Cook County’s Invest in Cook transportation investments are partially funded by gas taxes, but they prioritize pedestrian projects.

Preckwinkle outlined 35 transportation-related investments.

“This year, four transit, six bicycle, 12 pedestrian, one freight and 12 road projects will receive funding,” Preckwinkle said.

Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon said the projects will enhance mobility and foster economic growth.

“Investing in the Fifth District means more than just upgrading roads or enhancing bike paths. It means creating safe routes for our children to get to school, improving access to public transit for our workers and fostering a more vibrant community for all residents,” Gordon said.

Invest in Cook grants are partially funded by gas taxes imposed by municipalities in Cook County.

Around $64 million in taxpayer funds have been spent over eight years of the Invest in Cook program.