Pritzker picks Lipinski for infrastructure team

Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker announced the formation of his transition team's "Restoring Illinois' Infrastructure Committee," and a local U.S. congressman will co-chair it.

Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Western Springs, will co-chair the committee along with Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, Rep.-elect Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, state Sen. Martin Sandoval and state Rep. Jay Hoffman.

The committee is the tenth of the working transition groups and consists of 45 members, according to a press release.

"Roads and bridges across Illinois are in desperate need of attention, and this committee will take a serious look at how to leverage federal dollars to repair our crumbling infrastructure," Lipinski said. "As Illinois' senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I know investments in our roads, public transit and airports pay dividends, and I'm ready to get to work."

The committee will focus on the surface, rail, water, broadband and community infrastructure improvements needed across the state.

"Illinois' role as a transportation hub for the nation is a critical component of our economy," Pritzker said. "My administration will prioritize a comprehensive 21st century capital bill to build the infrastructure we need to restore Illinois' place as an economic leader."

The rest of the committee consists of a number of other elected officials, local transportation officials and experts, labor representatives and members of various other organizations.