Quinn loses preliminary vote on Illiana Expressway

October 9, 2013 (CHICAGO) -- Calling the proposed Illiana Expressway "a highway in nowhere land," the chairman of northeastern Illinois' official planning agency called for an end to Gov. Pat Quinn's push for the $1.3 billion tollway.

Gerald Bennett made the remarks Wednesday before Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning board members voted 10-4 against the project. The agency's policy committee has the final say during a vote next week.

The planning agency's approval is needed to open the door to federal funding.

Bennett also accused the Quinn administration of unfair political pressure. He says the state has delayed payments to the agency totaling $2.2 million. He says it's no coincidence the delays began in July after it released a negative assessment of the expressway project.

The 47-mile road would travel between Indiana and Illinois.

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