PUBLIC-PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

Creates the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act. Provides that the Act is intended to promote public-private partnerships for transportation by authorizing the Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to enter into public-private agreements for the development, operation, and financing of transportation facilities. Grants to the Department and the Authority the necessary powers for the development, financing, and operation of transportation projects through public-private agreements with one or more private entities. Provides that the projects may not include an airport located in a county with a population of more than 500,000. Creates a new Article in the Regional Transportation Authority Act granting similar powers to the RTA with regard to mass transportation projects. Creates provisions with regard to the planning of, the procurement of labor, materials, and real estate for, and the development and operation of these projects. Creates tax exemptions for these projects. Provides that the powers granted by the Act and the new Article are to be liberally construed. Prohibits units of local government and State agencies from taking any action that would have the effect of impairing a public-private agreement under the Act or the new Article. Makes corresponding changes in the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administration Code of Illinois, the Illinois Finance Authority Act, the Illinois Procurement Code, the Public Construction Bond Act, the Public Works Preferences Act, the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act, the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Property Tax Code, the Toll Highway Act, and the Prevailing Wage Act. Effective immediately.