Article 2705. Department Of Transportation

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-1)
    Sec. 2705-1. Article short title. This Article 2705 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois may be cited as the Department of Transportation Law.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-5)
    Sec. 2705-5. Definitions. In this Law:
    "Department" means the Department of Transportation.
    "Secretary" means the Secretary of Transportation.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-10) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49 in part)
    Sec. 2705-10. Powers, generally. The Department has the powers enumerated in the following Sections.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-15) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49 and 49.23)
    Sec. 2705-15. Administrative organization.
    (a) The Secretary may create and establish offices, divisions, and administrative units as necessary for the efficient administration and operation of the Department and may assign functions, powers, and duties to the several offices, divisions, and administrative units in the Department.
    (b) The Department has the power to establish the administrative organization within the Department that is required to carry out the powers, duties, and functions of the Department and best utilize the personnel, skills, facilities, and resources of the Department and its offices, divisions, and agencies.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-90) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.31)
    Sec. 2705-90. Criminal history record information from Department of State Police. Whenever the Department is authorized or required by law to consider some aspect of criminal history record information for the purpose of carrying out its statutory powers and responsibilities, then, upon request and payment of fees in conformance with the requirements of Section 2605-400 of the Department of State Police Law (20 ILCS 2605/2605-400), the Department of State Police is authorized to furnish, pursuant to positive identification, the information contained in State files that is necessary to fulfill the request.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-100) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.01a)
    Sec. 2705-100. Aeronautics; transfer from Department of Aeronautics. The Department has the power to exercise, administer, and enforce, through a Division of Aeronautics, all rights, powers, and duties vested in the Department of Aeronautics by the Illinois Aeronautics Act. The Department has the power to regulate and supervise aeronautics in this State and to administer and enforce all laws of this State pertaining to aeronautics.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-105) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.06a)
    Sec. 2705-105. Bridge and ferry operation; transfer from Department of Public Works and Buildings. The Department has the power to exercise, administer, and enforce the rights, powers, and duties vested in the Department of Public Works and Buildings by any law relating to the operation of bridges and ferries.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-110) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.07a)
    Sec. 2705-110. Motor vehicles; transfer from Department of Public Works and Buildings. The Department has the power to exercise, administer, and enforce all rights, powers, and duties vested in the Department of Public Works and Buildings by the Illinois Vehicle Code.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-115) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.08a)
    Sec. 2705-115. Roads and bridges; transfer from Department of Public Works and Buildings. The Department has the power to exercise, administer, and enforce all rights, powers, and duties vested in the Department of Public Works and Buildings by the Illinois Highway Code and any other law relating to roads, streets, and bridges and toll highways.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-120) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.11)
    Sec. 2705-120. Transfer of other rights, powers, and duties from Department of Public Works and Buildings. The Department has the power to exercise all rights, powers, and duties vested by law in the Department of Public Works and Buildings and in the Director of Public Works and Buildings not otherwise expressly transferred to and vested in another department.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-125) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.22)
    Sec. 2705-125. Safety inspection of motor vehicles; transfer from various State agencies. The Department has the power to administer, exercise, and enforce the rights, powers, and duties presently vested in the Department of State Police and the Division of State Troopers under the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law, in the Illinois Commerce Commission, in the State Board of Education, and in the Secretary of State under laws relating to the safety inspection of motor vehicles operated by common carriers, of school buses, and of motor vehicles used in the transportation of school children and motor vehicles used in driver exam training schools for hire licensed under Article IV of the Illinois Driver Licensing Law or under any other law relating to the safety inspection of motor vehicles of the second division as defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code.
(Source: P.A. 96-740, eff. 1-1-10.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-175) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.24)
    Sec. 2705-175. State employees; effect of transfer to Department. The transfer to the Department of Transportation of employees of the Department of Public Works and Buildings or of any other department, office, or agency of the State shall not affect the status of those employees under civil service, merit service, the Personnel Code, or other laws relating to State employees.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-200) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.16)
    Sec. 2705-200. Master plan; reporting requirements.
    (a) The Department has the power to develop and maintain a continuing, comprehensive, and integrated planning process that shall develop and periodically revise a statewide master plan for transportation to guide program development and to foster efficient and economical transportation services in ground, air, water, and all other modes of transportation throughout the State. The Department shall coordinate its transportation planning activities with those of other State agencies and authorities and shall supervise and review any transportation planning performed by other Executive agencies under the direction of the Governor. The Department shall cooperate and participate with federal, regional, interstate, State, and local agencies, in accordance with Sections 5-301 and 7-301 of the Illinois Highway Code, and with interested private individuals and organizations in the coordination of plans and policies for development of the state's transportation system.
    To meet the provisions of this Section, the Department shall publish and deliver to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2012 and every 5 years thereafter, its master plan for highway, waterway, aeronautic, mass transportation, and railroad systems. The plan shall identify priority subsystems or components of each system that are critical to the economic and general welfare of this State regardless of public jurisdictional responsibility or private ownership.
    The master plan shall include a comprehensive and multimodal freight mobility plan which shall analyze commodity flows, assess the freight transportation network, and identify significant freight system trends, needs, and economic opportunities. It shall recommend improvements in the operation and management of the freight system, projects that will eliminate inefficiencies in the State's freight network, methods of funding needed for freight system improvements, and policies to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of goods within and through the State and to ensure the State's economic vitality. The freight mobility plan shall incorporate and maintain compatibility with any federally required rail plan affecting this State.
    The master plan shall provide particular emphasis and detail of at least the 5-year period in the immediate future.
    Annual and 5-year, or longer, project programs for each State system in this Section shall be published and furnished the General Assembly on the first Wednesday in April of each year.
    Identified needs included in the project programs shall be listed and mapped in a distinctive fashion to clearly identify the priority status of the projects: (1) projects to be committed for execution; (2) tentative projects that are dependent upon funding or other constraints; and (3) needed projects that are not programmed due to lack of funding or other constraints.
    All projects shall be related to the priority systems of the master plan, and the priority criteria identified. Cost and estimated completion dates shall be included for work required to complete a useable segment or component beyond the period of the program.
    (b) The Department shall publish and deliver to the Governor and General Assembly on the first Wednesday in April of each year a 5-year, or longer, Highway Improvement Program reporting the number of fiscal years each project has been on previous plans submitted by the Department.
    (c) The Department shall publish and deliver to the Governor and the General Assembly by November 1 of each year a For the Record report that shall include the following:
        (1) All the projects accomplished in the previous

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-205) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.21)
    Sec. 2705-205. Study of demand for transportation. The Department has the power, in cooperation with State universities and other research oriented institutions, to study the extent and nature of the demand for transportation and to collect and assemble information regarding the most feasible, technical and socio-economic solutions for meeting that demand and the costs thereof. The Department has the power to report to the Governor and the General Assembly, by February 15 of each odd-numbered year, the results of the study and recommendations based on the study.
    The requirement for reporting to the General Assembly shall be satisfied by filing copies of the report with the Speaker, the Minority Leader, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the President, the Minority Leader, and the Secretary of the Senate and the Legislative Research Unit, as required by Section 3.1 of the General Assembly Organization Act and by filing additional copies with the State Government Report Distribution Center for the General Assembly as is required under paragraph (t) of Section 7 of the State Library Act.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-207)
    Sec. 2705-207. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 93-670, eff. 3-19-04. Repealed internally, eff. 1-1-05.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-210) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.15)
    Sec. 2705-210. Traffic control and prevention of accidents. The Department has the power to develop, consolidate, and coordinate effective programs and activities for the advancement of driver education, for the facilitation of the movement of motor vehicle traffic, and for the protection and conservation of life and property on the streets and highways of this State and to advise, recommend, and consult with the several departments, divisions, boards, commissions, and other agencies of this State in regard to those programs and activities. The Department has the power to aid and assist the counties, cities, towns, and other political subdivisions of this State in the control of traffic and the prevention of traffic accidents. That aid and assistance to counties, cities, towns, and other political subdivisions of this State shall include assistance with regard to planning, traffic flow, light synchronizing, preferential lanes for carpools, and carpool parking allocations.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-215) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.27)
    Sec. 2705-215. Cooperative utilization of equipment and services of governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations for the transportation needs in public service programs.
    (a) The Department is directed to encourage and assist governmental entities, not-for-profit corporations, and nonprofit community service associations, between or among themselves, in the development of reasonable utilization of transportation equipment and operational service in satisfying the general and specialized public transportation needs.
    The Department shall develop and encourage cooperative development, among all entities, of programs promoting efficient service and conservation of capital investment and energy and shall assist all entities in achieving their goals and in their applications for transportation grants under appropriate State or federal programs.
    (b) Implementation of cooperative programs is to be developed within the meaning of the provisions of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. In the circumstances of nongovernmental entities, the Department shall be guided by that Act and any other State law in encouraging the cooperative programs between those entities.
    (c) The Department shall report to the members of the General Assembly, by March 1 of each year, its successes, failures and progress in achieving the intent of this Section. The report shall also include identification of problems as well as the Department's recommendations.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-220)
    Sec. 2705-220. Public private partnerships for transportation. The Department may exercise all powers granted to it under the Public Private Agreements for the Illiana Expressway Act and the Public-Private Agreements for the South Suburban Airport Act.
(Source: P.A. 98-109, eff. 7-25-13.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-222)
    Sec. 2705-222. Public-private partnerships for transportation. The Department may exercise all powers granted to it under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.
(Source: P.A. 97-502, eff. 8-23-11.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-225) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.02a)
    Sec. 2705-225. Air transportation for State officers and employees. The Department may provide air transportation for officers and employees of the offices, departments, and agencies of the State government and charge the office, department, or agency for that transportation. Charges for the transportation shall not exceed the expenses incurred and costs involved in providing air transportation and may include expenses for equipment, personnel, and operational expenses.
    All requests for air transportation shall be made in writing and shall be signed by the executive officer or employee of the office, department, or agency.
    Except as provided herein, all requests shall be filled in the following priority: (1) the Governor, (2) the Lieutenant Governor, (3) the legislative leaders of the General Assembly, specifically, the President and minority leader of the Senate and the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, (4) the Judges of the Supreme Court, (5) the Attorney General, (6) the Secretary of State, (7) the Comptroller, (8) the Treasurer, (9) other members of the General Assembly; and thereafter as provided by the Department.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-240) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.17)
    Sec. 2705-240. Grants for capital assistance. The Department has the power to administer the allocation of State monies appropriated as grants for capital assistance purposes in the manner prescribed by law. No transportation program administered by any other Executive agency under the direction of the Governor or project undertaken thereunder shall be eligible for capital assistance from the State until that program and project have been approved by the Department.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-245) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.20)
    Sec. 2705-245. Inspection of property and records of applicants for and recipients of assistance. The Department at reasonable times may inspect the property and examine the books, records, and other information relating to the nature or adequacy of services, facilities, or equipment of any municipality, district, or carrier that is receiving or has applied for assistance under this Law. It may conduct investigations and hold hearings within or without the State. This Section shall not affect the regulatory power of any other State or local agency with respect to transportation rates and services. Annual statements of assets, revenues, and expenses and annual audit reports shall be submitted to the Department by any municipality, district, or carrier receiving or applying for capital assistance from the State when requested by the Department as part of an inspection under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-255) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.14)
    Sec. 2705-255. Appropriations from Build Illinois Bond Fund and Build Illinois Purposes Fund. Any expenditure of funds by the Department for interchanges, for access roads to and from any State or local highway in Illinois, or for other transportation capital improvements related to an economic development project pursuant to appropriations to the Department from the Build Illinois Bond Fund and the Build Illinois Purposes Fund shall be used for funding improvements related to existing or planned scientific, research, manufacturing, or industrial development or expansion in Illinois. In addition, the Department may use those funds to encourage and maximize public and private participation in those improvements. The Department shall consult with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity prior to expending any funds for those purposes pursuant to appropriations from the Build Illinois Bond Fund and the Build Illinois Purposes Fund.
(Source: P.A. 94-793, eff. 5-19-06.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-260)
    Sec. 2705-260. Use of Illinois resident labor. To the extent permitted by any applicable federal law or regulation, for all work performed for State construction projects which are funded in whole or in part by a capital infrastructure bill enacted by the 96th General Assembly by sums appropriated to the Illinois Department of Transportation, at least 50% of the total labor hours must be performed by actual residents of the State of Illinois. For purposes of this Section, "actual residents of the State of Illinois" means persons domiciled in the State of Illinois. The Department of Labor shall promulgate rules providing for the enforcement of this Section.
(Source: P.A. 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-265) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.33)
    Sec. 2705-265. Use of coal combustion by-products. The Department shall, where economically feasible and safe, foster the use of coal combustion by-products by specifying usage of these by-products in road building materials and by developing and including specifications for their use in beds, fills, backfills, trenches, and embankments.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-275) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25j)
    Sec. 2705-275. Grants for airport facilities. The Department may make grants to municipalities and airport authorities for the renovation, construction, and development of airport facilities. The grants may be made from funds appropriated for that purpose from the Build Illinois Bond Fund.
(Source: P.A. 94-91, eff. 7-1-05.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-285) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.06b)
    Sec. 2705-285. Ports and waterways. The Department has the power to undertake port and waterway development planning and studies of port and waterway development problems and to provide technical assistance to port districts and units of local government in connection with port and waterway development activities. The Department may provide financial assistance for the ordinary and contingent expenses of port districts upon the terms and conditions that the Department finds necessary to aid in the development of those districts.
    The Department shall coordinate all its activities under this Section with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
(Source: P.A. 94-793, eff. 5-19-06.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-300) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.18)
    Sec. 2705-300. Powers concerning mass transportation. The Department has the power to do the following:
    (1) Advise and assist the Governor and the General Assembly in formulating (i) a mass transportation policy for the State, (ii) proposals designed to help meet and resolve special problems of mass transportation within the State, and (iii) programs of assistance for the comprehensive planning, development, and administration of mass transportation facilities and services.
    (2) Appear and participate in proceedings before any federal, State, or local regulatory agency involving or affecting mass transportation in the State.
    (3) Study mass transportation problems and provide technical assistance to units of local government.
    (4) Encourage experimentation in developing new mass transportation facilities and services.
    (5) Recommend policies, programs, and actions designed to improve utilization of mass transportation services.
    (6) Cooperate with mass transit districts and systems, local governments, and other State agencies in meeting those problems of air, noise, and water pollution associated with transportation.
    (7) Participate fully in a statewide effort to improve transport safety.
    (8) Conduct by contract or otherwise technical studies, and demonstration and development projects which shall be designed to test and develop methods for increasing public use of mass transportation and for providing mass transportation in an efficient, coordinated, and convenient manner.
    (9) Make applications for, receive, and make use of grants for mass transportation.
    (10) Make grants for mass transportation from the Transportation Fund pursuant to the standards and procedures of Sections 2705-305 and 2705-310.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-305)
    Sec. 2705-305. Grants for mass transportation.
    (a) For the purpose of mass transportation grants and contracts, the following definitions apply:
     "Carrier" means any corporation, authority, partnership, association, person, or district authorized to provide mass transportation within the State.
     "District" means all of the following:
        (i) Any district created pursuant to the Local Mass

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-310)
    Sec. 2705-310. Grants for transportation for handicapped persons.
    (a) For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:
     "Carrier" means a district or a not for profit corporation providing mass transportation for handicapped persons on a regular and continuing basis.
     "Handicapped person" means any individual who, by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability, is unable without special mass transportation facilities or special planning or design to utilize ordinary mass transportation facilities and services as effectively as persons who are not so affected.
    "Unit of local government", "district", and "facilities" have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 2705-305.
    (b) The Department may make grants from the Transportation Fund and the General Revenue Fund (i) to units of local government, districts, and carriers for vehicles, equipment, and the acquisition, construction, extension, reconstruction, and improvement of mass transportation facilities for handicapped persons and (ii) during State fiscal years 1986 and 1987, to the Regional Transportation Authority for operating assistance for mass transportation for mobility limited handicapped persons, including paratransit services for the mobility limited. The grants shall be made upon the terms and conditions that in the judgment of the Secretary are necessary to ensure their proper and effective utilization. The procedures, limitations, and safeguards provided in Section 2705-305 to govern grants for mass transportation shall apply to grants made under this Section.
    For the efficient administration of grants, the Department, on behalf of grant recipients under this Section and on behalf of recipients receiving funds under Sections 5309 and 5311 of the Federal Transit Act and State funds, may administer and consolidate procurements and may enter into contracts with manufacturers of vehicles and equipment.
    (c) The Department may make operating assistance grants from the Transportation Fund to those carriers that, during federal fiscal year 1986, directly received operating assistance pursuant to Section 5307 or Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, or under contracts with a unit of local government or mass transit district that received operating expenses under Section 5307 or Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, to provide public paratransit services to the general mobility limited population. The Secretary shall take into consideration the reduction in federal operating expense grants to carriers when considering the grant applications. The procedures, limitations, and safeguards provided in Section 2705-305 to govern grants for mass transportation shall apply to grants made under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 90-774, eff. 8-14-98; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-315) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.19b)
    Sec. 2705-315. Grants for passenger security. The Department may make grants from the Transportation Fund and the General Revenue Fund to the Regional Transportation Authority created under the Regional Transportation Authority Act to be used to provide protection against crime for the consumers of public transportation, and for the employees and facilities of public transportation providers, in the metropolitan region. The grants may be used (1) to provide that protection directly, or (2) to contract with any municipality or county in the metropolitan region to provide that protection, or (3) except for the Chicago Transit Authority created under the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, to contract with a private security agency to provide that protection.
    The grants shall be made upon the terms and conditions that in the judgment of the Secretary are necessary to ensure their proper and effective utilization. The procedures provided in Section 2705-305 to govern grants for mass transportation shall apply to grants made under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-317)
    Sec. 2705-317. Safe Routes to School Construction Program.
    (a) Upon enactment of a federal transportation bill with a dedicated fund available to states for safe routes to schools, the Department, in cooperation with the State Board of Education and the Department of State Police, shall establish and administer a Safe Routes to School Construction Program for the construction of bicycle and pedestrian safety and traffic-calming projects using the federal Safe Routes to Schools Program funds.
    (b) The Department shall make construction grants available to local governmental agencies under the Safe Routes to School Construction Program based on the results of a statewide competition that requires submission of Safe Routes to School proposals for funding and that rates those proposals on all of the following factors:
        (1) Demonstrated needs of the grant applicant.
        (2) Potential of the proposal for reducing child

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-321)
    Sec. 2705-321. Illinois Transit Ridership and Economic Development (TRED) Pilot Project Program; new facilities and service.
    (a) Subject to appropriation, the Department of Transportation shall establish the Illinois Transit Ridership and Economic Development (TRED) Pilot Project Program to build transit systems that more effectively address the needs of Illinois workers, families, and businesses. The Illinois TRED Pilot Project Program shall provide for new or expanded mass transportation service and facilities, including rapid transit, rail, bus, and other equipment used in connection with mass transit, by the State, a public entity, or 2 or more of these entities authorized to provide and promote public transportation in order to increase the level of service available in local communities, as well as improve the quality of life and economic viability of the State of Illinois.
    The Illinois TRED Pilot Project Program expenditures for mass transportation service and facilities within the State must:
        (1) Improve the economic viability of Illinois by

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-350) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.26)
    Sec. 2705-350. Intercity bus service assistance. For the purposes of providing intercity bus passenger service and the promotion of an efficient intercity bus passenger system within this State as authorized by Section 22 of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, the Department is authorized to enter into agreements with any carrier. The cost related to the services shall be borne in the proportion that, by agreement or contract, the parties may determine; provided, however, that no State monies shall be expended for those purposes.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-375) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.34)
    Sec. 2705-375. Meigs Users Advisory Committee.
    (a) The Meigs Users Advisory Committee is hereby created. The Meigs Users Advisory Committee shall be composed of the following members: (i) 4 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, 2 of whom shall have extensive knowledge of business and corporate aviation and 2 of whom shall have extensive knowledge of general aviation; (ii) 4 members appointed by the Mayor of the City of Chicago, all of whom shall have extensive knowledge of general aviation; (iii) 4 members of the General Assembly, one each appointed by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the House; and (iv) the Secretary of Transportation or his or her designee, who shall serve as Chairperson. The members appointed by the Governor and the Mayor shall be users of Meigs Field.
    (b) (1) The Secretary of Transportation or his or her

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-400) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25a)
    Sec. 2705-400. Authorization concerning rail assistance funds. The Department is hereby authorized to exercise those powers necessary for the State to qualify for rail assistance funds pursuant to the provisions of the federal Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, or other relevant federal or State legislation, including but not limited to authority to do the following:
    (1) Establish a State plan for rail transportation and local rail services, including projects funded under Section 2705-435.
    (2) Administer and coordinate the State plan.
    (3) Provide in the plan for the equitable distribution of federal rail assistance funds among State, local, and regional transportation authorities.
    (4) Develop or assist the development of local or regional rail plans.
    (5) Promote, supervise, and support safe, adequate, and efficient rail services in accordance with the provisions and limitations of Public Act 79-834.
    (6) Employ sufficient trained and qualified personnel for these purposes.
    (7) Maintain, in accordance with the provisions and limitations of Public Act 79-834, adequate programs of investigation, research, promotion, and development in connection with these purposes and provide for public hearings.
    (8) Provide satisfactory assurances on behalf of the State that fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be adopted by the State that may be necessary to ensure proper disbursement of and account for federal funds paid to the State as rail assistance.
    (9) Comply with the regulations of the Secretary of Transportation of the United States Department of Transportation affecting federal rail assistance funds.
    (10) Review all impending rail abandonments and provide its recommendations on those abandonments to the Interstate Commerce Commission.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-405) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25b)
    Sec. 2705-405. Preparation of State Rail Plan. In preparation of the State Rail Plan under Section 2705-400, the Department shall consult with recognized railroad labor organizations, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, railroad management, affected units of local government, affected State agencies, and affected shipping interests.
(Source: P.A. 94-793, eff. 5-19-06.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-410) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25c)
    Sec. 2705-410. Access to information. The Secretary may authorize any of the Department's officers, employees, or agents to enter upon, inspect, and examine, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, the books, documents, records, equipment, and property of and to request information kept in the ordinary course of business from any railroad to the extent necessary to carry out the powers enumerated in Sections 2705-400 through 2705-445. Railroads operating within the State shall provide access to those books, documents, records, equipment, and property and shall provide the information kept in the ordinary course of business that the Department may request. Should any railroad fail or refuse to provide that access or information, the Secretary is hereby granted subpoena power to obtain that access and to require the production of that information. The Department shall pay the reasonable costs associated with providing any such information that is not otherwise already required by law. Any officer, employee, or agent of the Department exercising the powers granted by this Section shall, upon request, display proper credentials. The Department shall exercise all necessary caution to avoid disclosure of confidential information supplied under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-415) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25d)
    Sec. 2705-415. State Rail Plan; responsibilities of other agencies. The State Rail Plan, in its provisions concerning requiring supervision of safety aspects and other railroad matters, shall not abrogate the present statutory responsibilities of the Illinois Commerce Commission and shall meet the requirements of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970. Nothing herein shall provide for or effect the transfer of responsibilities between State agencies.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-420) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25e)
    Sec. 2705-420. Copies of State Rail Plan; report. The Department shall provide copies of the State Rail Plan to the President of the Senate, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the House, and the House Minority Leader prior to submitting the Plan to the federal government. The Department shall also so provide, by October 15, 1975, a report including its findings concerning the extent, nature, and proposed use of federal aid available and its recommendations concerning the source and extent of non-federal assistance, both during the period in which federal assistance is available and thereafter.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-425) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25f)
    Sec. 2705-425. Rail freight services assistance; loans; Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund. No funds available for operating or capital assistance under Section 5 of the United States Department of Transportation Act for rail freight services in Illinois may be expended without specific appropriation of those funds. Reimbursements for those loans that financially responsible persons are required by agreement to repay shall be deposited in the State treasury as follows: (1) the State's share shall be deposited in the fund from which the original expenditure was made, and (2) the federal share shall be deposited in the Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund. In the case of repaid funds deposited in the Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund, the Department shall have the reuse of those funds and the interest accrued thereon, which shall also be deposited by the State Treasurer in that Fund, as the federal share in other eligible projects. However, no expenditures from the Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund for those projects shall at any time exceed the total sum of funds repaid and deposited in the Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund and interest earned by investment by the State Treasurer that the State Treasurer shall have deposited in that fund.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-430) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25g)
    Sec. 2705-430. Railroad freight service assistance; lines designated for discontinuation of service or subject to abandonment. The Department shall enter into agreements with any railroad as necessary to provide assistance for continuous freight service on lines of railroads within Illinois designated for discontinuation of service by the United States Railway Association Final System Plan and not conveyed to a railroad company other than Consolidated Rail Corporation. The Department may enter into such agreements with any railroad as necessary to provide assistance for continuous rail freight service on lines of railroads within Illinois subject to an abandonment proceeding in the Interstate Commerce Commission or classified as potentially subject to abandonment pursuant to Sections 10903 through 10905 of Title 49 of the United States Code or upon which a certificate of discontinuance or abandonment has been issued. The Department shall make rail continuation subsidy payments pursuant to the agreements. The agreements shall provide for a minimum level of service at least equivalent to that provided in calendar year 1975. The agreements shall conform to relevant federal law. The Department shall determine that all payments under this Section are eligible for federal share reimbursement.
    Any nonfederal share of the assistance provided under this Section shall be provided by the Department. The State share may include funds, grants, gifts, or donations from the federal government, any local public body, or any person.
    Reimbursements shall be deposited in the State fund from which the assistance was paid.
    The Department shall provide technical assistance to any local public body or rail user to ensure that rail freight services under these agreements are, to the extent possible, adequate to the needs of Illinois citizens.
    The Department shall review the effects of the rail freight service assistance provided under this Section and shall report the results of its review to the General Assembly each year not later than March 15, reporting particularly on the service provided through the assistance, the utilization of rail freight service by shippers, and the cost effectiveness of this rail freight service assistance program in relation to the economy of this State.
    The requirement for reporting to the General Assembly shall be satisfied by filing copies of the report with the Speaker, the Minority Leader, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the President, the Minority Leader, and the Secretary of the Senate and the Legislative Research Unit, as required by Section 3.1 of the General Assembly Organization Act and by filing additional copies with the State Government Report Distribution Center for the General Assembly as is required under paragraph (t) of Section 7 of the State Library Act.
    For the purpose of promoting efficient rail freight service, the Department shall have the power to either grant or loan funds to any railroad or unit of local government in the State to maintain, improve, and construct rail facilities. The Department shall also have the power to grant or loan funds to any rail users located on an abandoned line, unit of local government, or an owner or lessee of an abandoned railroad right-of-way to undertake substitute service projects that reduce the social, economic, and environmental costs associated with the loss of a particular rail freight service in a manner less expensive than continuing that rail freight service. To facilitate the continuation of rail freight services, the Department shall have the power to purchase railroad materials and supplies.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-435) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25g-1)
    Sec. 2705-435. Loans, grants, or contracts to rehabilitate, improve, or construct rail facilities; State Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund. In addition to the powers under Section 105-430, the Department shall have the power to enter into agreements to loan or grant State funds to any railroad, unit of local government, rail user, or owner or lessee of a railroad right of way to rehabilitate, improve, or construct rail facilities.
    For each project proposed for funding under this Section the Department shall, to the extent possible, give preference to cost effective projects that facilitate continuation of existing rail freight service. In the exercise of its powers under this Section, the Department shall coordinate its program with the industrial retention and attraction programs of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. No funds provided under this Section shall be expended for the acquisition of a right of way or for operating subsidies. The costs of a project funded under this Section shall be apportioned in accordance with the agreement of the parties for the project. Projects are eligible for a loan or grant under this Section only when the Department determines that the transportation, economic, and public benefits associated with a project are greater than the capital costs of that project incurred by all parties to the agreement and that the project would not have occurred without its participation. In addition, a project to be eligible for assistance under this Section must be included in a State plan for rail transportation and local rail service prepared by the Department. The Department may also expend State funds for professional engineering services to conduct feasibility studies of projects proposed for funding under this Section, to estimate the costs and material requirements for those projects, to provide for the design of those projects, including plans and specifications, and to conduct investigations to ensure compliance with the project agreements.
    The Department, acting through the Department of Central Management Services, shall also have the power to let contracts for the purchase of railroad materials and supplies. The Department shall also have the power to let contracts for the rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of rail facilities. Any such contract shall be let, after due public advertisement, to the lowest responsible bidder or bidders, upon terms and conditions to be fixed by the Department. With regard to rehabilitation, improvement, or construction contracts, the Department shall also require the successful bidder or bidders to furnish good and sufficient bonds to ensure proper and prompt completion of the work in accordance with the provisions of the contracts.
    In the case of an agreement under which State funds are loaned under this Section, the agreement shall provide the terms and conditions of repayment. The agreement shall provide for the security that the Department shall determine to protect the State's interest. The funds may be loaned with or without interest. Loaned funds that are repaid to the Department shall be deposited in a special fund in the State treasury to be known as the State Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund. In the case of repaid funds deposited in the State Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund, the Department shall, subject to appropriation, have the reuse of those funds and the interest accrued thereon, which shall also be deposited by the State Treasurer in the Fund, as the State share in other eligible projects under this Section. However, no expenditures from the State Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund for those projects shall at any time exceed the total sum of funds repaid and deposited in the State Rail Freight Loan Repayment Fund and interest earned by investment by the State Treasurer which the State Treasurer shall have deposited in that Fund.
    For the purposes of promoting efficient rail freight service, the Department may also provide technical assistance to railroads, units of local government or rail users, or owners or lessees of railroad rights-of-way.
    The Department shall take whatever actions are necessary or appropriate to protect the State's interest in the event of bankruptcy, default, foreclosure, or noncompliance with the terms and conditions of financial assistance or participation provided hereunder, including the power to sell, dispose, lease, or rent, upon terms and conditions determined by the Secretary to be appropriate, real or personal property that the Department may receive as a result thereof.
    The Department is authorized to make reasonable rules and regulations consistent with law necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section.
(Source: P.A. 94-793, eff. 5-19-06; 94-807, eff. 5-26-06.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-440) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25h)
    Sec. 2705-440. Intercity Rail Service.
    (a) For the purposes of providing intercity railroad passenger service within this State (or as part of service to cities in adjacent states), the Department is authorized to enter into agreements with units of local government, the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (or a public corporation on behalf of that Division), architecture or engineering firms, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, any carrier, any adjacent state (or political subdivision, corporation, or agency of an adjacent state), or any individual, corporation, partnership, or public or private entity. The cost related to such services shall be borne in such proportion as, by agreement or contract the parties may desire.
    (b) In providing any intercity railroad passenger service as provided in this Section, the Department shall have the following additional powers:
        (1) to enter into trackage use agreements with rail

     (20 ILCS 2705/2705-441)
    Sec. 2705-441. Intercity passenger rail equipment; public-private partnerships. The Department, on behalf of the State, may enter into public-private partnerships for the acquisition of equipment for intercity passenger rail service.
(Source: P.A. 96-728, eff. 1-1-10.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-445) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25i)
    Sec. 2705-445. Validation of prior agreements and contracts. Any agreement or contract for the purposes of Section 2705-440 that was entered into prior to June 16, 1976 (the effective date of Public Act 79-1213) is hereby validated and continued in full force and effect.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-450) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.25h-1)
    Sec. 2705-450. High-speed rail and magnetic levitation transportation development. The Department is authorized to enter into agreements with any public or private entity for the purpose of promoting and developing high-speed rail and magnetic levitation transportation within this State. The cost related to the service shall be borne in a proportion that the parties may determine by agreement or contract.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-500) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.29)
    Sec. 2705-500. Scenic route connecting Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The Department shall prepare or have prepared maps, surveys, or plans, shall conduct studies, and shall consult with the Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of proposing a route connecting the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers through the Shawnee National Forest, to be designated as a scenic route. The proposed route shall consist of existing roads to the greatest extent possible, but the proposal may call for any improvements consistent with federal law that the Department deems necessary or desirable. The Department shall submit its proposal, along with any other supporting information it deems appropriate, to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than March 1, 1986.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-505) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.30)
    Sec. 2705-505. Signs indicating travel-related facilities or tourist-oriented businesses. The Department shall, where economically feasible and safe, install along various interstate highways and other freeways with full control of access, except those that are toll highways, signs to alert motorists of the travel-related facilities available in communities served by upcoming interstate exits. The Department may also install, along other rural State highways, signs to alert motorists of the tourist-oriented businesses available on intersecting highways and roads under local jurisdiction in rural areas. The Department has the authority to sell or lease space on the signs to the owners or operators of the facilities and to promulgate rules and regulations for the leasing or purchasing of space.
(Source: P.A. 90-272, eff. 7-30-97; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-505.5)
    Sec. 2705-505.5. Child abduction message signs. The Department of Transportation shall coordinate with the Department of State Police in the use of electronic message signs on roads and highways in the vicinity of a child abduction to immediately provide critical information to the public.
(Source: P.A. 93-310, eff. 7-23-03.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-510) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.15a)
    Sec. 2705-510. Use of prisoners for highway cleanup. The Department has the power to request, from the Department of Corrections, the use of prisoners in a program as provided in paragraph (f) of Section 3-2-2 of the Unified Code of Corrections for the cleaning of trash and garbage from the highways of this State.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-550) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.12)
    Sec. 2705-550. Transfer of realty to other State agency; acquisition of federal lands. The Department has the power to transfer jurisdiction of any realty under the control of the Department to any other department of the State government or to any authority, commission, or other agency of the State or to acquire or accept federal lands when the transfer, acquisition, or acceptance is advantageous to the State and is approved in writing by the Governor.
(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-555) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.13)
    Sec. 2705-555. Lease of land or property.
    (a) The Department has the power from time to time to lease any land or property, with or without appurtenances, of which the Department has jurisdiction and that is not immediately to be used or developed by the State; provided that no such lease be for a longer period of time than that in which it can reasonably be expected the State will not have use for the property, and further provided that no such lease be for a longer period of time than 5 years, except as provided in subsection (b).
    (b) In counties with a population of not less than 500,000 and not more than 800,000, a lease to any other department of State government, any authority, commission, or agency of the State, or a municipality, county, or township of the State, including in any land lease the corresponding vertical rights, subterranean and air rights, and sublease rights, may be for a period of time no longer than 25 years.
    (c) In counties with a population of not less than 3,000,000, a lease initially entered into within one year after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly, including in any land lease the corresponding vertical rights, subterranean and air rights, and sublease rights, may be for a period of time no longer than 35 years. The land or property shall be leased by the Department at fair market value.
(Source: P.A. 93-1100, eff. 3-31-05.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-565)
    Sec. 2705-565. North Chicago property; study; conveyance.
    (a) The Department shall perform a study of property owned by the Department consisting of approximately 160 acres located in North Chicago, south of IL Route 137, between IL Route 43 and US Route 41. The study shall include, but not be limited to, a survey of the property for the purpose of delineating jurisdictional wetlands in accordance with the Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989 and identifying threatened and endangered species in accordance with the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act, for the purpose of identifying property no longer needed for highway purposes.
    (b) Upon completion of the study and for a period ending 3 years after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, the City of North Chicago shall have an exclusive option to purchase for public purposes those portions of the property no longer needed for highway purposes for a consideration, which may be de minimus, negotiated by the parties. The Department of Transportation is authorized to convey the excess property to the City of North Chicago pursuant to this Section within 3 years after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, but may not otherwise convey or transfer the property during that period.
    (c) Any conveyance to the City of North Chicago under this Section shall provide (i) that title to the property reverts to the State of Illinois if the property ceases to be used for public purposes and (ii) the City of North Chicago may lease the property but may not convey its ownership of the property to any party, other than the State of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 94-1045, eff. 7-24-06.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-575) (was 20 ILCS 2705/49.28)
    Sec. 2705-575. Sale of used vehicles. Whenever the Department has deemed a vehicle shall be replaced, it shall notify the Division of Property Control of the Department of Central Management Services and the Division of Vehicles of the Department of Central Management Services for potential reallocation of the vehicle to another State agency through inter-agency transfer per standard fleet vehicle allocation procedures. If the vehicle is not re-allocated for use into the State fleet or agencies by the Division of Property Control or the Division of Vehicles of the Department of Central Management Services, the Department shall make the vehicle available to those units of local government that have previously requested the notification and provide them the opportunity to purchase the vehicle through a sealed bid sale. Any proceeds from the sale of the vehicles to units of local government shall be deposited in the Road Fund. The term "vehicle" as used in this Section is defined to include passenger automobiles, light duty trucks, heavy duty trucks, and other self-propelled motorized equipment in excess of 25 horsepower and attachments.
(Source: P.A. 97-42, eff. 1-1-12; 98-721, eff. 7-16-14.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-580)
    Sec. 2705-580. Educational facility entrances. As part of State highway construction projects, the Department shall evaluate, fund, and repair, within the right-of-way, the entrances to public educational facilities that border State highways.
(Source: P.A. 95-271, eff. 1-1-08.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-585)
    Sec. 2705-585. Diversity goals.
    (a) To the extent permitted by any applicable federal law or regulation, all State construction projects funded from amounts (i) made available under the Governor's Fiscal Year 2009 supplemental budget or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and (ii) that are appropriated to the Illinois Department of Transportation shall comply with the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act.
    (b) The Illinois Department of Transportation shall appoint representatives to professional and artistic services selection committees representative of the State's ethnic, cultural, and geographic diversity, including, but not limited to, at least one person from each of the following: an association representing the interests of African American business owners, an association representing the interests of Latino business owners, and an association representing the interests of women business owners. These committees shall comply with all requirements of the Open Meetings Act.
(Source: P.A. 96-8, eff. 4-28-09.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-587)
    Sec. 2705-587. Diversity in Engineering scholarship program.
    (a) The Diversity in Engineering scholarship program is created to assist in increasing the representation of targeted group members among the civil engineers employed by the Department.
    (b) For purposes of this Section:
        "Targeted group member" means a person belonging to a

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-590)
    Sec. 2705-590. Roadbuilding criteria; life-cycle cost analysis.
    (a) As used in this Section, "life-cycle cost" means the total of the cost of the initial project plus all anticipated future costs over the life of the pavement. Actual, relevant data, and not assumptions or estimates, shall be used to the extent such data has been collected.
    (b) The Department shall develop and implement a life-cycle cost analysis for each State road project under its jurisdiction for which the total pavement costs exceed $500,000 funded in whole, or in part, with State or State-appropriated funds. The Department shall design and award these paving projects utilizing material having the lowest life-cycle cost. All pavement design life shall ensure that State and State-appropriated funds are utilized as efficiently as possible. When alternative material options are substantially equivalent on a life-cycle cost basis, the Department may make a decision based on other criteria. At the discretion of the Department, interstate highways with high traffic volumes or experimental projects may be exempt from this requirement.
    (c) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, a life-cycle cost analysis shall compare equivalent designs based upon this State's actual historic project schedules and costs as recorded by the pavement management system, and may include estimates of user costs throughout the entire pavement life.
    (d) For pavement projects for which this State has no actual historic project schedules and costs as recorded by the pavement management system, the Department may use actual historical and comparable data for equivalent designs from states with similar climates, soil structures, or vehicle traffic.
(Source: P.A. 96-715, eff. 8-25-09; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-593)
    Sec. 2705-593. Office of Business and Workforce Diversity.
    (a) The Office of Business and Workforce Diversity is established within the Department.
    (b) The Office shall administer and be responsible for the Department's efforts to achieve greater diversity in its construction projects and in promoting equal opportunities within the Department. The responsibilities of the Office shall be administered between 2 distinct bureaus, designed to establish policy, procedures, and monitoring efforts pursuant to the governing regulations supporting minorities and those supporting women in contracting and workforce activities.
    (c) Applicant firms must be found eligible to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program under the federal regulations contained in 49 CFR part 26 and part 23. Only those businesses that are involved in highway construction-related services (non-vertical), consultant, and supplier/equipment rental/trucking services may be considered for participation in the Department's DBE program. Once certified, the firm's name shall be listed in the Illinois Unified Certification Program's (IL UCP) DBE Directory (Directory). The IL UCP's 5 participating agencies shall maintain the Directory to provide a reference source to assist bidders and proposers in meeting DBE contract goals. The Directory shall list the firms in alphabetical order and provides the industry categories/list and the districts in which the firms have indicated they are available.
(Source: P.A. 96-795, eff. 7-1-10 (see Section 5 of P.A. 96-793 for the effective date of changes made by P.A. 96-795); 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-595)
    Sec. 2705-595. Prequalification of minority-owned and women-owned contractors. The Department shall, within 30 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, establish a committee to review the rules for prequalification of contractors adopted by the Department at 44 Illinois Administrative Code 650. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the rules for prequalification operate as a barrier to minority-owned and women-owned contractors becoming prequalified to bid on or make proposals for Department contracts. The committee shall, in addition to Department staff, be constituted with membership representing the construction industry and minority-owned and women-owned contractors. The committee shall complete its work and make recommendations for any changes to the rules for prequalification to the Secretary of Transportation within 180 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly.
(Source: P.A. 96-795, eff. 7-1-10 (see Section 5 of P.A. 96-793 for the effective date of P.A. 96-795).)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-600)
    (Section scheduled to be repealed on June 30, 2017)
    Sec. 2705-600. Target market program. In order to remedy particular incidents and patterns of egregious race or gender discrimination, the chief procurement officer, in consultation with the Department, shall have the power to implement a target market program incorporating the following terms:
        (0.5) Each fiscal year, the Department shall review

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-605)
    Sec. 2705-605. Construction projects; notification of the public.
    (a) The Department shall develop and publish a policy for the notification of members of the public prior to the commencement of construction projects which impact their communities. The policy shall include procedures for ensuring that the public is informed of construction projects, excluding emergency projects, which are estimated to require the closure of a street or lane of traffic for a period longer than 5 consecutive business days. The policy shall include procedures for the notification of local public officials and affected businesses of affected communities and shall provide the local public officials the opportunity to request a meeting with the Department prior to the initiation of the closure.
    (b) The policy shall be completed and published on the Department's Internet website by January 1, 2013.
    (c) The Department shall work with affected stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and other community members before and during construction by considering various methods to mitigate and reduce project impacts to better serve those directly impacted by the improvement. Those methods could include, but need not be limited to, detour routing and temporary signage.
(Source: P.A. 97-992, eff. 1-1-13; 98-412, eff. 1-1-14.)

    (20 ILCS 2705/2705-610)
    Sec. 2705-610. Disadvantaged business revolving loan and grant program.
    (a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to provide for assistance to disadvantaged business enterprises with project financing costs for those firms that are ready, willing, and able to participate on Department construction contracts. The Department's disparity study recommends and supports a financing program to address this barrier faced by disadvantaged business enterprises.
    (b) For the purposes of this Section:
    "Construction" means building, altering, repairing, improving, or demolishing any public structure or building, or making improvements of any kind to public real property. Construction does not include the routine operation, routine repair, or routine maintenance of existing structures, buildings, or real property.
    "Construction-related services" means those services including construction design, layout, inspection, support, feasibility or location study, research, development, planning, or other investigative study undertaken by a construction agency concerning construction or potential construction.
    "Contractor" means one who participates, through a contract or subcontract at any tier, in a United States Department of Transportation-assisted or Illinois Department of Transportation-assisted highway, rail, transit, or airport program.
    "Escrow account" means a fiduciary account established with (1) a banking corporation which is both organized under the Illinois Banking Act and authorized to accept and administer trusts in this State; or (2) a national banking association which has its principal place of business in this State and which is authorized to accept and administer trusts in this State.
    "Fund Control Agent" means a person who provides managerial and technical assistance to disadvantaged business enterprises and holds the authority to manage a loan under this Section. The Fund Control Agent will be procured by the Department under a request for proposal process governed by the Illinois Procurement Code and rules adopted under that Code.
    "Loan" or "loan assistance funds" means a low-interest line of credit made available to a selected disadvantaged business enterprise under this program for the purposes set forth in subsection (f) below.
    (c) The Department may enter into agreements to make loans to disadvantaged business enterprises certified by the Department for participation on Department-procured construction and construction-related contracts. For purposes of this Section, the term "disadvantaged business enterprise" has the meaning ascribed to it by 49 CFR Part 26.
    The Department shall establish a loan selection committee to review applications and select eligible disadvantaged business enterprises for low-interest loans under this program. A selection committee shall be comprised of at least 3 members appointed by the Secretary of the Department and shall include at least one public member from the construction or financing industry. The public member may not be employed or associated with any disadvantaged business enterprise holding a contract with the Department nor may the public member's firm be considered for a contract with the Department while he or she is serving as a public member of the committee. Terms of service for public members shall not exceed 5 years. No public member of the loan selection committee shall hold consecutive terms, nor shall any member receive any compensation other than for reasonable expenses for service related to this committee.
    The Department shall establish through administrative rules the requirements for eligibility and criteria for loan applications, approved use of funds, amount of loans, interest rates, collateral, and terms. The Department is authorized to adopt rules to implement this Section.
    The Department shall notify the prime contractor on a project that a subcontractor on the same project has been awarded a loan from the Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund. If the loan agreement is amended by the parties of the loan agreement, the prime contractor shall not be a party to any disadvantaged business enterprise loan agreement between the Department and participating subcontractor and shall not incur any liability for loan debt accrued as a result of the loan agreement.
    (d) Loan funds shall be disbursed to the escrow account, subject to appropriation, from the Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund established as a special fund in the State treasury. Loaned funds that are repaid to the Department shall be deposited into the Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund. Other appropriations, grants, awards, and donations to the Department for the purpose of the revolving loan program established by this Section shall be deposited into the Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund.
    (e) A funds control process shall be established to serve as an intermediary between the Department and the contractor to verify payments and to ensure paperwork is properly filed. The Fund Control Agent and contractor shall enter into an agreement regarding the control and disbursement of all payments to be made by the Fund Control Agent under the contract. The Department shall authorize and direct the Fund Control Agent to review all disbursement requests and supporting documents received from the contractor. The Fund Control Agent shall direct the escrow account to disburse escrow funds to the subcontractor, material supplier, and other appropriate entities by written request for the disbursement. The disadvantaged business enterprise shall maintain control over its business operations by directing the payments of the loan funds through its relationship with the Funds Control Agent. The funds control process shall require the Fund Control Agent to intercept payments made from a contractor to a subcontractor receiving a loan made under this Act and allow the Fund Control Agent to deduct any unpaid loan repayments owed to the State before releasing the payment to the subcontractor.
    (f) Loan assistance funds shall be allowed for current liabilities or working capital expenses associated with participation in the performance of contracts procured and awarded by the Department for transportation construction and construction-related purposes. Loan funds shall not be used for:
        (1) refinancing or payment of existing long-term debt;
        (2) payment of non-current taxes;
        (3) payments, advances, or loans to stockholders,