Illinois Roads

As other states mothball major highway projects, Illinois is proceeding with a program of near unprecedented breadth, funded by toll hikes and taxes.

The state is undertaking a $2.2-billion project to rebuild the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and the $3.4-billion Elgin O'Hare bypass, a project intended to improve access to O'Hare International Airport.

Since assuming office, Quinn has launched numerous projects under the auspices of Illinois Toll Authority's (ITA) "Move Illinois," a 15-year, $12-billion program projected to create 120,000 jobs.

"This will be the biggest year in our history " says Kristi Lafleur, ITA executive director.

Hydraulic Fracturing

For all the attention that hydraulic fracturing—or fracking—has garnered, it's unclear whether the practice will prosper in the region. In Ohio, the projected number of jobs hasn't materialized, leaving residents to ponder whether economic gains are sufficient to offset environmental concerns.

The technology may fall short as a business proposition. In October, Peter Voser, the soon-to-retire CEO of Shell, indicated the biggest regret of his tenure was a decision to invest $24 billion in North American shale beds.

However, others are still banking on a boom. Once pipelines are in place later this year, a clearer picture will emerge of who benefits.

Detroit