House fails to approve connector task force resolution

SPRINGFIELD - A resolution that would have created the Southwest Illinois Connector Task Force is stuck on the House Resolutions Calendar while lawmakers are back in their districts for summer.

Senate Joint Resolution 54 passed out of the Senate on May 10 and the House Transportation Committee amended and passed the resolution on May 23.

"I'm disappointed that both houses were unable to complete action on this resolution prior to adjournment," said State Sen. Paul Schimpf of Waterloo. "The lack of urgency in Springfield regarding our region's infrastructure remains one of my greatest frustrations."

The resolution called for the study of the cost, feasibility, and environmental impact of a proposed four-lane divided highway from Waterloo to Murphysboro. The study would have also assessed the short and long-term economic impact to the region, and all options for funding - both public and private.

As currently drafted, the resolution requires that task force members conduct four meetings and produce a report by Dec. 31, 2018. Schimpf expects to meet with grass-roots supporters of the highway to assess the project's next steps.

"Although I expect this resolution to ultimately pass and be signed into law, I'm concerned about whether the task force can meet the aggressive timelines needed to reach and accomplish this goal," said Schimpf.