The nation's top transportation official says his home state hasn't received special treatment despite ranking first so far in stimulus funding approved for roads and bridges.
The current U.S. transportation secretary and former congressman from Illinois tells Chicago's WGN radio there's been "no favoritism."
Ray LaHood insists money's gone out based on long-standing formulas for allocating highway dollars.
Illinois has received funding approval for 249 projects worth $606 million.
LaHood says one explanation may be that squabbling between then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and state lawmakers in recent years left many shovel-ready projects waiting for funding.
So when stimulus rules gave priority to shovel-ready projects, Illinois quickly benefited.
______
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The current U.S. transportation secretary and former congressman from Illinois tells Chicago's WGN radio there's been "no favoritism."
Ray LaHood insists money's gone out based on long-standing formulas for allocating highway dollars.
Illinois has received funding approval for 249 projects worth $606 million.
LaHood says one explanation may be that squabbling between then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and state lawmakers in recent years left many shovel-ready projects waiting for funding.
So when stimulus rules gave priority to shovel-ready projects, Illinois quickly benefited.
______
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
