By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – Illinois Transportation Secretary Timothy Martin says the state must borrow $2 billion to keep road construction on pace.
Martin announced a seven-year road program Thursday that totals $1.75 billion for the fiscal year that begins July 1st.
But Governor Rod Blagojevich must convince lawmakers to borrow money to provide an extra $500 million per year.
Martin says road construction would drop by $400 million during the next two years if no money is borrowed.
The Department of Transportation typically plans for five years.
Martin says he stretched it to seven this year because Illinois still doesn't know how much federal money it will get and he didn't want to cut projects.