U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today welcomed acting Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Randy Blankenhorn to Champaign to kick off IDOT’s state-wide, infrastructure listening tour.

“Our local leaders understand the transportation needs of their community better than anyone,” said Davis. “I applaud Secretary Blankenhorn for launching this listening tour to gather input from local officials, stakeholders, and the public on the transportation needs and priorities in their area. Investing in transportation projects in communities like Champaign supports economic growth and good-paying jobs.”

Today’s panel included state Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign); state Representatives Adam Brown (R-Champaign) and Chad Hays (R-Catlin); Michael DeLorenzo, Associate Chancellor, University of Illinois; and Chip Craddock, Executive Vice President of Clark Dietz, Inc. Dates and locations of future stops can be found here.

Davis has been a proponent of increasing local input in determining how federal transportation dollars are spent. His bill H.R. 1393, the Innovation in Surface Transportation Act, would direct states to establish an in-state, competitive grant program in which a panel compiled of representatives from state transportation departments, local governments, planning organizations, and other transportation/economic stakeholders would select projects to receive funding from already established federal transportation programs. More information about H.R. 1393 can be found here.