As a licensed contractor, my livelihood is dependent on the availability of long-term construction and development ventures.

During times of economic growth, state investment dollars are regularly set aside for infrastructure and public works improvements. However, since the onset of the national recession, large-scale economic development projects are far less common.

This is why the recent filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission for the approval of the Rock Island Clean Line is so exciting. In addition to transporting 3,500 megawatts of clean energy to communities that need it most, it will also provide years of work for contractors, engineers and construction personnel across the state.