SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois engineers said they are glad to see historic investments for construction projects across the state. Still, they stress lawmakers must preserve the road fund and projects established in Rebuild Illinois.
"These funds not only ensure our roads and bridges are maintained and provide safe travel across our communities and state, but the Rebuild Illinois program also modernizes and upgrades Illinois' infrastructure to support a 21st-century economy," said American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois President and CEO Kevin Artl.
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois hopes the General Assembly will help recruit more people to the workforce through a new scholarship program for engineering students at state universities.
ACEC members are also advocating for a tax credit for employers hiring recent engineering graduates to help address the worker shortage.
"The tax credit will also apply to 5% of the compensation paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year to qualified employees who graduated from an engineering program or accredited institution of higher learning not located in Illinois," said past ACEC Illinois Board Chair Lou Gallucci.
The organization also hopes lawmakers will approve more funding for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's programs to help modernize drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
"ACEC Illinois is committed to collaborating with the General Assembly and Gov. JB Pritzker to strengthen funding for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's state revolving fund programs," said Board Chair Jerry Payonk. "Likewise, providing safe, reliable drinking water across Illinois through the accelerated removal of lead service lines is critical."Â
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