Working together to maximize infrastructure funding for northeastern Illinois
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Leveraging our role as a regional convener, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is working closely with our federal, state, and local partners from across northeastern Illinois to maximize once-in-a-generation transportation funding available under the new federal infrastructure law.
Our region is seeking to secure significant grant funding under what’s referred to as the “ MEGA” program — large and significant projects that can deliver the most benefits for a region. The three priority projects for northeastern Illinois include:
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The I-290 Blue Line modernization project. The $665 million project would upgrade bridges, improve drainage, reconstruct L tracks, and strengthen ADA accessibility for CTA stations between Austin Boulevard and Cicero Avenue in Chicago.
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Union Station access improvements. The $418 million project would improve ventilation within Union Station, create an additional train platform in Joliet, and upgrade connections along the St. Charles Air Line and into the state of Michigan.
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Metra’s Union Pacific North line rebuild. The $262 million project would replace 11 bridges between Fullerton Avenue and Addison Street in Chicago and better align tracks.
CMAP continues to convene and collaborate with our congressional offices, our transportation and transit agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve consensus around priority projects that deliver the biggest and boldest impact for northeastern Illinois.
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Apply now: Summer planning program for high schoolers
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CMAP is excited to host Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) this summer. FLIP is a free leadership development program for high school students to learn about the issues that shape our region and gain an interest in urban planning.
Sessions will be held on Fridays, from July 22 to August 12, at CMAP's office in the Old Post Office. Topics include how to engage communities, the role of data, and more. Students also will take field trips around the region. Applications are due Monday, June 20.
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Plan envisions future of Lake Calumet area
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CMAP is supporting the Illinois International Port District with developing a master plan to help turn the port's nearly 2,000 acres on Chicago's southeast side into an industrial and recreational destination. The master plan seeks to strengthen the port district as a national freight and logistics hub, encourage economic development, and enhance the quality of life of residents.
The plan is available for public comment through Wednesday, June 15. Learn more about this project by watching this recent WTTW Chicago Tonight show. |
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Share feedback on the ON TO 2050 plan update and more
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The public can now review and share input into our region’s comprehensive plan update, an important document that guides planning and decision-making related to transportation, the economy, climate, and more for all of northeastern Illinois.
The CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee reviewed and advanced the ON TO 2050 update at their respective meetings this week.
The update to this 30-year plan is important because conditions in the region change each year, requiring CMAP to update portions every four years. The update process aims to reaffirm the ON TO 2050 plan vision, adjust data projects, review accomplishments, and reassess transportation needs.
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Air quality conformity analysis
Alongside the ON TO 2050 update, CMAP seeks input on the air quality conformity analysis and corresponding Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendment 23-01. The analysis and amendment include additions, deletions, and changes to both existing TIP projects and projects proposed to be designated as ON TO 2050 regionally significant projects. Please review the cover memo and list of conformity amendments. Submit comments by mail, email, or phone (312-454-0400) through Saturday, August 13.
Transportation Improvement Program
CMAP also is seeking input on the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023–2028 TIP. The FFY 2023–2028 TIP discusses how projects implement recommendations of the ON TO 2050 update. It also describes the federal, state, and local resources available to northeastern Illinois and explains the processes for selecting TIP projects. Submit comments by mail, email, or phone (312-454-0400) through Saturday, August 13. |
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Provide input on Indian Creek Watershed-based Plan
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CMAP is developing the Indian Creek Watershed-based Plan with organizations and communities in and around this watershed, which straddles southeastern Kane and southwestern DuPage counties. This project aims to improve and protect the water quality and habitats in the watershed; Indian Creek; its tributaries, wetlands, lakes, and ponds; and the Fox River.
Learn more about the project and share ideas on the Indian Creek website. Input will help shape project recommendations, establish monitoring programs, update plans and policies, and create outreach and educational activities aimed at improving and protecting the quality of the Indian Creek watershed planning area. |
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Councils of mayors want your input on infrastructure
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Many councils of mayors want feedback on their proposed list of infrastructure projects for the next five federal fiscal years (2023-27).
Ongoing public comment periods include:
- Central Council (ends June 30)
- North Central Council (ends June 30)
- McHenry County Council (ends July 5)
- Kane/Kendall County Council (ends July 8)
- DuPage County Council (ends July 11)
- Southwest Council (ends July 19)
All 11 subregional organizations and the City of Chicago hosted calls for projects earlier this year for the latest round of STP local programming. Visit CMAP’s website to learn more about the STP local programs and how to submit feedback. |
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Apply for flood management planning assistance
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District is seeking applicants for its Floodplain Management Services program. The program provides services to communities to reduce flood risk. It is 100 percent federally funded — no cost share is required of communities. Products include flood warning plans, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, flood communications plans, and more. These studies do not result in construction but can help communities better manage their local flood risk.
Submit a short description of the flooding problem, requested services, and a letter of interest by Friday, June 17. The Army Corps of Engineers can work with you to craft the requests. Contact Kira Baltutis or Dave Handwerk with any questions. |
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Join program to help municipalities advance diversity, equity, and inclusion
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The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Illinois City/County Management Association, and University of Illinois Chicago Great Cities Institute have announced a new pilot program to help municipalities integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into their operations. This six-month program will provide ongoing training, coaching, and peer support to an inaugural cohort of 10 municipalities. This pilot is free for participants. Learn more and apply by Friday, June 24. |
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June 14, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Host: Regional Transportation Authority
June 21, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Host: Regional Transportation Authority
June 22, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Metropolitan Planning Council
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June 23, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Host: CMAP
June 23, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Host: CMAP
June 23, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Host: Metropolitan Planning Council
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June 17, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Host: McHenry County Department of Planning and Development and Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
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The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is northeastern Illinois' comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners developed and are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of our region address transportation, equity, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. Visit CMAP's website for more information.
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