Financing
Finding the Resources
Highway and aviation productivity have reached a plateau. Investments in megaprojects no longer yield mega-returns.
Meanwhile, highway construction costs are climbing as payments into the state's highway fund are declining. Existing revenue streams aren't even sufficient to maintain the existing system.
Illinois will have to simultaneously raise additional transportation revenues while shepherding its investments.
An integrated transportation network, with fast trains at the core, is the only affordable way to add desperately needed mobility and bring Illinois cities closer together.
Therefore, as new funding sources are found to maintain the State's highways, a portion must be invested in fast trains. Otherwise, the Illinois economy will also plateau.
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