HB0253 Summary

• Requires the Department of Transportation to develop a statewide multi-modal transportation improvement program using objective, quantifiable analysis to guide investment decisions aligned with state and regional performance goals.

• Mandates creation of a risk-based highway system asset management plan in accordance with federal regulations (23 U.S.C. 119 and 23 CFR Part 515) and a needs-based transit asset management plan for state-supported public transportation assets, both to be made publicly available.

• Establishes a performance-based project selection process for state-owned transportation capacity projects starting April 1, 2022, that must consider emissions, climate resilience, and equity for racially marginalized and low-income communities.

• Exempts certain federally-funded programs (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality, Highway Safety Improvement, Transportation Alternatives, and National Highway Freight Program) from the new prioritization process.

• Requires the Regional Transportation Authority to develop a transparent prioritization process for Northeastern Illinois transit projects receiving state capital funding, considering access to destinations, reliability, capacity, safety, state of repair, racial equity, and economic development.