Conclusions

Business Leaders for Transportation's analysis of the feasibility of using a Public-Private Partnership to finance the construction and maintenance of the Elgin-O'Hare Extension/O'Hare Bypass shows that it would be a cost-effective and expedient way to build the road. Without the added benefit of the private dollars, Illinois would have to contribute $905 million more to build the project and millions more to maintain it in the future. These precious capital dollars could be used as a match for other needed improvements in the state such as those already receiving federal funding through SAFETEA-LU.

The Chicago region should build on its experience with Public-Private Partnerships and look to this innovative structure to help fill the gap in the state's infrastructure funding. Business Leaders analysis of the expressway shows that Partnerships can add substantially to the available financing for vital transportation infrastructure and would help fulfill a critical and timely infrastructure need. The Illinois state legislature should immediately enact legislation making it possible to use public private partnerships to build qualified projects like the Elgin-O'Hare Extension/O'Hare Bypass.