I-74 Bridge Replacement (IA-IL)

[Alex]

I-74 bridge construction takes big step forward

The plans to replace the Interstate-74 bridge got a significant boost Friday, with the state of Illinois doing an about face and announcing it's putting $72 million toward the construction of the span in its long-range plan.

Iowa has warned Illinois it would likely remove $63 million in construction funding for the span because of doubts about the timing of Illinois' commitment. Illinois has maintained it's committed to the bridge, but in the face of fiscal difficulties, it declined to put construction funding in its 2013-2018 plan. The plan was released last week.

In a letter to Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, which became public Friday, Quinn said he had instructed the state DOT to change course and invest the $72 million to the project. He said $22 million will come in 2017 and $50 million in 2018.

Iowa's draft 2012-2017 plan, while no longer including the construction funding, still has $46 million for land acquisition, design costs and I-74-related road work in downtown Bettendorf. Local officials said Friday they're hopeful the construction money will now be included, too.

[pianocello]

Can't wait!