Governor Pritzker celebrates infrastructure investments in southern Illinois – WSIU NEWS

Report on Illinois Infrastructure Investment and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Overview of State-Led Infrastructure Initiative

The State of Illinois, under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), has initiated a comprehensive infrastructure program. This six-year, $50 billion investment aims to revitalize transportation systems, with a significant portion allocated to local projects. This report analyzes recent investments in Southern Illinois, particularly in Carbondale, through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2.0 Advancing SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The state’s program directly supports SDG 9 by focusing on building resilient, sustainable, and reliable infrastructure. The investment is designed to facilitate economic development and improve human well-being. A total of $1.1 billion is planned for state roads and bridges in the Southern Illinois district alone, ensuring the region’s infrastructure can support future growth and innovation.

The IDOT Fiscal Year 2026-31 Proposed Highway and Multimodal Improvement Program outlines a strategic allocation of funds to modernize statewide infrastructure:

• $32.5 billion: Roads and Bridges
• $18.1 billion: Other Modes, including:
• $13.8 billion for transit
• $2.9 billion for freight and passenger rail
• $1.2 billion for aviation
• $200 million for ports and waterways

3.0 Fostering SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

A central component of the initiative is the enhancement of urban and community infrastructure to make settlements more inclusive, safe, and sustainable, in line with SDG 11. A $2 million project in Carbondale exemplifies this commitment by reconstructing key roadways that provide critical access to essential services and major regional employers, including Southern Illinois University and SIH Memorial Hospital. This improves access to education (SDG 4) and healthcare (SDG 3).

The specific routes targeted for reconstruction in Carbondale are:

1. Poplar Street
2. West Cherry Street
3. West College Street

4.0 Commitment to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The program demonstrates a strong commitment to SDG 10 by directing resources toward historically neglected regions and economically distressed communities. Governor Pritzker affirmed the state’s focus on rectifying previous underinvestment in Southern Illinois. A special legislative appropriation of $400 million was made available to address local transportation needs, with specific consideration given to disadvantaged areas.

Of the 223 awards from this special appropriation, the distribution promotes equitable access and sustainable transport options:

• 177 for roads
• 34 for bike and pedestrian improvements
• 10 for transit
• 2 for ports

5.0 Summary of Key Regional Projects and Economic Impact

The investments are poised to stimulate local economies, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating jobs and reinforcing the operational capacity of the region’s largest employers. Key projects advancing in Southern Illinois include:

• $22 million: To reconstruct and resurface over 14 miles of Illinois 34 in Franklin County.
• $14.5 million: To resurface and build new shoulders along nearly 7 miles of Illinois 152 in Perry County.
• $14 million: To reconstruct and resurface 2.6 miles of Illinois 146 in Union County.
• $2.2 million: To complete the final phase of the Union Hill Road reconstruction in Jackson County.
• $918,000: To rehabilitate the Pittsburg Road bridge in Williamson County.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article’s primary focus is on the development, reconstruction, and improvement of infrastructure, specifically roads and bridges in Illinois. The entire piece details a multi-billion dollar investment program aimed at building resilient and reliable transportation systems.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The projects discussed, such as the reconstruction of key streets in Carbondale and improvements to local roads, directly contribute to making cities and communities more accessible and sustainable. The article also mentions funding for bike and pedestrian improvements, which supports sustainable transport systems within communities.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The infrastructure projects are explicitly linked to economic growth by improving access to major regional employers like Southern Illinois University and SIH Memorial Hospital. Quality infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic productivity and facilitates access to employment.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights that the infrastructure program gives special consideration to “disadvantaged or economically distressed communities.” Governor Pritzker’s commitment to the region after it was “neglected by state government for a long time” directly addresses regional inequalities by ensuring equitable distribution of development funds.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
   • The article details a $50 billion program to reconstruct and rehabilitate roads and bridges (e.g., Poplar Street, Pittsburg Road Bridge). This effort is aimed at developing quality and reliable infrastructure. The focus on southern Illinois, a previously “neglected” region, aligns with the goal of providing “equitable access for all.”
2. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all…
   • The reconstruction of roads improves transportation safety and accessibility. Furthermore, the article explicitly states that out of 223 local awards, “34 for bike and pedestrian improvements, 10 for transit” were made, directly contributing to the development of diverse and sustainable transport systems beyond just personal vehicles.
3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all…
   • The program’s allocation of “$400 million available… to help further address local transportation needs, with consideration given to disadvantaged or economically distressed communities” is a direct action to promote economic inclusion for regions that have historically been underserved or neglected.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for Target 9.1:
   • Total financial investment in infrastructure: The article provides several figures that serve as direct indicators of investment, such as the “$50 billion over six years” for the entire program, “$1.1 billion planned to improve state roads and bridges” in Southern Illinois, and specific project costs like “$22 million to reconstruct… Illinois 34.”
   • Physical scope of infrastructure projects: The article mentions the length of roads being improved, such as “resurface more than 13 miles of Illinois 34” and “reconstruct 1.4 miles… of Illinois 146.” These metrics can be used to track the physical progress of infrastructure development.
2. Indicators for Target 11.2:
   • Investment in and number of sustainable transport projects: The article states that the program includes “$13.8 billion for transit” and that the special $400 million appropriation funded “34 for bike and pedestrian improvements, 10 for transit.” These numbers serve as clear indicators of progress toward diversifying transport systems.
3. Indicators for Target 10.2:
   • Financial resources allocated to disadvantaged communities: The “$400 million available… with consideration given to disadvantaged or economically distressed communities” is a direct indicator of financial flows aimed at reducing inequality. Tracking the distribution of these funds would measure progress toward this target.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wsiu.org