CMAP Media Tip Sheet

December 19, 2012

This tip sheet briefly summarizes newsworthy activities of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). Reporters should contact Justine Reisinger (312-386-8802 and jreisinger@cmap.illinois.gov) or Hillary Green (312-386-8619 and hgreen@cmap.illinois.gov) for more information.

New report shows CTA Red Line South Extension would improve access, increase livability for affected communities

Extending the CTA Red Line south to 130^th Street would significantly improve access to job opportunities, educational institutions, health facilities, and other resources for Greater Roseland residents, as described in a new "livability report" at www.cmap.illinois.gov/red-line. The site also features a video, outreach brochure, and map gallery, all developed by the CMAP Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program in collaboration with the Developing Communities Project (DCP) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). As recommended in the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan, the Red Line South Extension would add four stops beyond the line's current terminus at 95th Street. The livability report will support the CTA's application for highly competitive federal New Starts transit funding.
 

CMAP analysis shows congestion pricing would boost regional business output by $2 billion annually

CMAP estimates that implementation of congestion pricing on five GO TO 2040-recommended expressway projects would increase gross regional product by $2 billion annually.  As described on the CMAP Policy Updates blog, business output (defined as final sales by industry) would increase $94 billion in constant dollars between 2016 and 2040. Other regional economic benefits would include nearly 40,000 new jobs and total increased wage income of $2.3 billion within a decade after the expressways open. Already used by 10 states, congestion pricing gives travelers the option of an express toll lane that ensures reliable travel times.  Express tolls rise and fall based on demand at various times of day, and drivers choose when to use the lanes based on variable cost.  Learn more at www.cmap.illinois.gov/congestion-pricing. 
 

New Hanover Park strategy report addresses revitalization of Irving Park Road Corridor

The Urban Land Institute Chicago has released a new report that recommends "right-sizing" retail, additional senior housing and green space along the Village of Hanover Park's Irving Park Road Corridor. These economic development strategies were developed in partnership with the Village and CMAP's LTA program.  CMAP is also working with the Village of Niles to develop an environmental action plan.  Residents can view the draft plan and send comments to Berenice Vallecillos (bvallecillos@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8623) through January 1, 2013. The latest monthly update for all LTA projects is now available at www.cmap.illinois.gov/lta.

 

Federal fiscal impasse could cut into transportation funding

CMAP's Policy Updates looked at potential transportation consequences of negotiations in Washington, DC, to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" that would trigger $1.2 trillion of across-the-board federal budget cuts beginning in January 2013 and continuing through FY 2021.  While the Highway Trust Fund would be exempt from sequestration, the New Starts transit program and the Projects of National and Regional Significance program could take hits of about $156 million and $41 million per year, respectively.  The CMAP blog post links to several reports and other resources on proposed budget solutions and potential outcomes if a deal isn't reached.

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About CMAP

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is the comprehensive regional planning organization for the northeastern Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. By state and federal law, CMAP is responsible for producing the region's official, integrated plan for land use and transportation. The agency's innovative GO TO 2040 planning campaign develops and implements strategies to shape the region's transportation system and development patterns, while also addressing the natural environment, economic development, housing, education, human services, and other factors shaping quality of life. See www.cmap.illinois.gov for more information.