Illinois bridge repairs delayed by lack of money

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- State lawmakers say it's obvious they'll need a lot more money to address structural problems of more than 2,400 Illinois bridges, but it's far from clear when they'll agree to provide the extra cash.

Illinois spends millions of dollars each year to repair and replace bridges with the most critical needs. But with not enough money to pay for all the repairs, many bridges wait year after year for attention.

Lawmakers agree the best solution is a "capital improvement" program, where the state borrows billions of dollars to pay for long-overdue bridge, road and school construction projects.

Political bickering has blocked money for those programs for several years, and the stalemate may not end soon. Lawmakers say that's an unfortunate reality as the nation focuses on preventing another bridge disaster.

"It is a very visible shortcoming to have, and one which can come back to haunt us if we don't do the right thing," said Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago.

An Associated Press analysis of federal transportation data found that more than 1,500 of the 2,400 Illinois bridges considered "structurally deficient" have worse structural ratings than the Minneapolis bridge that collapsed last month, killing 13.

From major spans to little-used crossings, bridges throughout the state are showing warning signs of wear and fatigue.

The AP analysis found that many of those in the worst condition are rural, small bridges traveled only a few times a day. Lawmakers say a collapse on even the smallest of spans is one too many.

Legislators say now is the time to provide more money, with the Minneapolis disaster still fresh in people's minds. But that's a challenge, with state money already scarce.

Skeptics caution that time works against efforts to better meet Illinois' bridge needs.

"People's memories tend to be very short," said Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville. "Other bridges may be dangerous. Our bridges are OK."

Even optimists aren't predicting a quick resolution on an issue bogged down by political and policy questions since Gov. Rod Blagojevich took office in 2003.

The biggest obstacle is agreeing on how to pay for the borrowing used to provide the road and school projects. Gambling is a widely discussed option, but lawmakers can't agree on whether to give existing riverboat casinos more gaming positions or to add more casinos, and where.

There's also an important political component.

Some lawmakers say neither Democrats nor Republicans want to end the years-long gridlock and allow the other political party to score points with voters by touting new schools, roads and bridges in their districts.

Others complain the capital projects could be held over lawmakers' heads to get them to support other legislative programs, such as Blagojevich's push for health-care expansion.

Blagojevich spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch said the Minnesota bridge situation makes a capital program more critical and the governor hopes legislators return to Springfield soon to approve one.

Despite the large hurdles, legislators are still hopeful they'll have help for bridges and other needs this fall.

"The onus is on us now to provide the funding to make sure that what happened in Minnesota doesn't happen in the state of Illinois," said Rep. Jim Brosnahan, D-Evergreen Park. "We're definitely working toward that goal."