Underwood Successfully Advocates for Local Infrastructure Funding, Announces $20 Million Infrastructure Investment for City of Joliet | Representative Lauren Underwood
Skip to main content

Underwood Successfully Advocates for Local Infrastructure Funding, Announces $20 Million Infrastructure Investment for City of Joliet

September 15, 2020

BUILD grant funding was among Underwood's top priorities for FY2020 and FY2021 Appropriations

WEST CHICAGO— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that the City of Joliet will receive a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the I-55 at IL 59 Access Projectin Joliet. This grant, which is funded by DOT's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation grants program, follows successful efforts by Underwood to increase funding for the BUILD grants program.

Expanding BUILD grants and other federal investments in suburban and rural transportation infrastructure has been a top priority for Underwood throughout her term in Congress. She fought to boost BUILD grants funding in congressional appropriations for both FY2020 and FY2021, securing an increase of $100 million for FY2020.

"For too long, the unique infrastructure needs of rural and suburban communities in northern Illinois have been overlooked. That's why, since day one, advocating for more BUILD funding was one of my highest priorities. Infrastructure is a smart investment that pays off, and I'm thrilled this BUILD funding—one of my top priorities—is coming to Joliet where it will help make our roads stronger, safer, and less congested," said Underwood.

In Congress, Underwood has strongly supported federal investment to support the 14th District's infrastructure needs. In July, Underwood supported the passage of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, legislation which would invest more than $1.5 trillion in modern, sustainable, infrastructure, combat the climate crisis, and address disparities in urban, suburban and rural communities across Illinois. In May 2019, Underwood advocated for the 14th District's infrastructure needs in a hearing in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure where she underscored the need for increased federal funding to restore roads, improve broadband access, expand mass transit, and improve community health across the District.