June 1, 2009
Today has brought some discouraging news regarding the State of Illinois budget, as yesterday’s midnight deadline passed without action by the House to close the projected budget deficit. One result is that the Comprehensive Regional Planning Fund (CRPF) is apparently not included in the current budget.
While this is obviously not what we’ve hoped for, it does not necessarily mean that the CRPF will not be funded. We are working to assess whether the CRPF is in the IDOT budget. That is not clear so far because the department’s appropriation appears as a lump sum, making it hard to identify specifics. 
Loss of the CRPF would mean our region is unable to match $11 million each year in federal transportation planning funds, which in turn leverages $2 billion in annual road and transit projects across our region. CMAP's non-transportation activities -- which include planning of water, other natural resources, housing, and more –- would also be significantly affected.
Yet, precisely because of all that’s at stake, I am firmly convinced that the state funding problem can still be worked out. We will obviously continue to keep you updated.
Randy
Randy Blankenhorn
Executive Director
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)