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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowSupporters of the Illiana Expressway have defeated an attempt to scrap the project during a meeting of a regional planning organization.
The planned 47-mile tollway between Illinois and Indiana is one of Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's top public works priorities. Opponents call it a boondoggle.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee met Thursday in Chicago to consider draft updates to the region's long-term infrastructure and land use plan.
A motion to approve the update without the Illiana failed in an 10-8 vote.
Quinn and his department of transportation argue the project will be a massive job generator and a relief valve for Interstate 80 and other congested roadways.
Critics say the $1.5 billion project is unnecessary and warn it will leave taxpayers on the hook if toll revenues fall short.
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