Illinois state transportation funding is generated from a variety of sources. This funding goes to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), local governments, and transit agencies to address maintenance, construction, and administrative needs.
Illinois’ Primary Transportation Funding Sources
With the exception of motor fuel taxes, these revenue sources are largely divided between the Road Fund (63%) and State Construction Account Fund (37%) to support state transportation projects and administration.
Motor Fuel Taxes
The motor fuel tax (MFT) is the most significant transportation funding source for Illinois. It generates the most money, currently estimated at approximately $2.5 billion per year. The MFT was recently increased in 2019 under Rebuild Illinois. Additionally, the MFT is increased each July 1, with rates now tied to inflation. The rate increases by an amount equal to the percentage increase in the CPI-U.
The MFT is unique from other transportation fees in that a substantial portion of the funding is distributed to local governments. As shown below, of the funding going to local governments, municipalities receive 49.10%, Cook County receives 16.74%, all other counties receive 18.27%, and townships and road districts receive 15.89%. For Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021), counties received over $300 million, municipalities received over $420 million, and townships and road districts received over $136 million. As a result of motor fuel tax increases under Rebuild Illinois, these disbursement increased 66% beginning in FY2020.
Transit agencies also receive a portion of Illinois’ MFT funds. As a result of Rebuild Illinois, transit agencies will receive dedicated annual capital funds for the first time in state history. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)– which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace suburban bus, and Metra commuter rail– receives 90% of transit funding from the Transportation Renewal Fund. The Downstate Mass Transportation Fund– which supplies grants to downstate public transportation agencies– receives 10% of total transit funding from the MFT.
Distribution of Illinois Motor Fuel Tax (MFT)
State Transportation Funds
Road Fund
Funding for IDOT administration, expenses for construction and reconstruction projects and certain public transportation expenses.
State Construction Account
Funding exclusively for construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of the state maintained highway system (cannot be used for MFT administration or payroll).
Featured Work:
Forecasting Bumpy Roads Ahead: An Assessment of Illinois Transportation Needs
April 4, 2018 |COVID-19 and Transportation Funding in Illinois
May 6, 2020 |IDOT Shutdown: Understanding the Economic and Transportation Consequences
June 20, 2017 |Roadway Safety in Illinois: Examining the Needs, Economic Costs, and Potential Improvements
April 9, 2019 |A Comparison of Highway Construction Costs in the Midwest and Nationally
March 20, 2018 |