Many units of local government that have been struggling to provide local services during the recession will be receiving more help from the state’s Jobs Now! Capital Program approved in 2009. The latest state payments to Boone, DeKalb, Kane and Ogle counties will total about $4.9 million for roads, water, sewer and other infrastructure needs.

State Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Sycamore, said the state payments are made possible by collection of special taxes to fund the $31 billion capital program.

“The money cannot be used to pay state operations and is intended to create jobs and invest in our infrastructure,” he said. “The funds are distributed to counties, municipalities and townships based upon the motor fuel tax formula. These funds can be used for a multitude of projects including street and bridge maintenance, as well as other projects including traffic signal upgrades, sidewalk replacement, storm sewers and bike paths.”