Transportation & Infrastructure Archives - Congresswoman Cheri Bustos

Investing In our Infrastructure to Create Jobs in our Community

Studies have shown that investments in our infrastructure lead to new economic activity and job creation – that’s why I’m proud to help lead the fight to invest in Illinois’ roads, bridges, rail lines and airports. From working across the aisle in Congress to meeting with a Republican White House, I stand ready to collaborate in a bipartisan nature to reinvest in our infrastructure.

The 17th district is home to three international airports (Quad-City International Airport, Peoria International Airport and Chicago Rockford International Airport), in addition to several smaller regional airports. I’ve fought hard to bring home federal support for these airports. Additionally, after seeing how the Chicago Rockford International Airport’s cargo operation has helped to drive the local economy, I founded the bipartisan Air Cargo Caucus to raise awareness to lawmakers and their staff about the importance of supporting this critical industry.

Our district is defined by its connections. Our highways span thousands of miles that connect east to west and north to south. The Mississippi River, our district’s western border, and the Illinois Waterway move millions of tons of goods every year through aging locks and dams. The agricultural products, along with other products and goods, moved through these highways and waterway systems are key to commerce in the region. I was proud to push the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) and help secure $4.5 million for funding to update our locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi and provide critical ecosystem restoration. And with critical rail projects like the Quad-City to Chicago rail line still being developed, I am optimistic about the potential for new economic development opportunities in the future.

In 2015, I was proud to help lead a bipartisan effort to pass the first long-term highway bill in a decade. This legislation was projected to provide Illinois with over $7.5 billion in funding for highway, transit and transportation safety programs through fiscal year 2020. As Congress considers a new highway bill, I will continue to fight for the infrastructure needs of Illinois.

If we want to attract new employers to our region and create more good-paying jobs, we must strengthen our infrastructure system. Our parents left us with a world-class transportation system. We owe it to the next generation to carry on this promise.

More on Transportation & Infrastructure

Press Release

July 26, 2022

Bustos Announces $8.4 Million for Peoria International Airport Runway Improvements

PEORIA — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced that General Downing – Peoria International Airport will receive $8.4 million in federal funding for runway improvements. The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Aviation Administration. “During my decade in Congress, I’ve always been focused […]

Press Release

July 7, 2022

BUSTOS, DURBIN, DUCKWORTH SECURE $15 MILLION FOR NEW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AT PEORIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PEORIA – U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $15 million in federal funding awarded to the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)to construct the airport’s new Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). Bustos, Durbin and Duckworth secured language […]

Press Release

July 1, 2022

Bustos Secures Support for Rural Communities, Local Priorities in Appropriations Packages

WASHINGTON — This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of committee a series of packages that address water quality in Lewistown and other rural communities, would help lower gas prices and increase access to education. The packages now head to the House Floor for a full vote. “I’ve […]

Press Release

July 1, 2022

Bustos Secures More Than $9.3 Million for Local Projects in Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Package

WASHINGTON — This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of Committee a comprehensive transportation, housing and urban development funding bill that will bring significant federal resources to projects in Northwest and Central Illinois. “Listening to folks in all of our communities and delivering results to improve lives is […]