Lake County Gazette

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Dist. 14) hosted a roundtable this week in Chicago to discuss Illinois' infrastructure needs with federal and local policymakers and other stakeholders.

Twenty five representatives from Illinois transportation authorities, universities, governments and businesses, along with Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), chairmen of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, attended the discussion. The group discussed the challenges of upgrading Chicago's infrastructure, as well as the need for long-term transportation funding for the state. \

“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.