WHO: Congressmen Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Bobby Schilling (IL-17), Illinois State Senator Darin LaHood, Illinois State Representative Rich Morthland, and staff with US Senator Mark Kirk
WHAT: Press conference featuring area officials urging the Illinois Department of Transportation to support of the Interstate 74 Bridge project
WHEN: Monday, April 23, 2012 at 8:00 am Central Standard Time
WHERE: Stoney Creek Inn - The Blackhawk Room, 101 18th Street, Moline IL, 61265
WHY: In 2005, the I-74 Bridge became the most traveled bridge in the Quad Cities with an average of 77,800 vehicles crossing daily. This is despite the fact that it was built for 48,000 such crossings. The Bridge itself is functionally obsolete, however, and has never met Interstate standards.
The Iowa Department of Transportation last year pledged $63 million for the project in its long-term transportation plan, and was intending to add an additional $114 million in a plan it is currently developing. Recent news reports suggest that the Illinois Department of Transportation has not programmed funding for the Bridge's construction in its long-term transportation plan.
The I-74 Bridge project would create construction jobs, reduce traffic backups, and improve air quality. With a project as big and as important as the Bridge, it is necessary for the region's local officials to come together in support of advancing the I-74 Bridge.
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