Transportation Planning Process

IDOT estimates revenues from federal and state sources, assesses highway needs, and issues funding targets and technical guidelines to its nine highway districts. IDOT districts develop, prioritize and submit projects for inclusion in the multi-year highway improvement plan. Each year, the plan is submitted for review and announcement to the governor. The governor then presents the plan to the General Assembly and the public for review and discussion during the appropriation process. The General Assembly approves or modifies the appropriation level, but there is no formal mechanism for legislative adoption of the plan.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The General Assembly reviews and discusses the highway improvement plan as part of the appropriation process, during which projects can be added or removed. The annual appropriation is approved as part of the budget bill.