Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Taxpayers outside of the City of Springfield are invested in the future of downtown Springfield, as much as taxpayers inside of the city.

That’s according to Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter, in his recent “State of the Springfield Area” speech before the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

“Sangamon County government is investing $73 million of local taxpayer money directly into downtown Springfield,” said Van Meter, “which, in turn, is leveraging an additional $94.2 million in state and federal funding into our community’s core.”

Van Meter refers to the new transportation hub, and with plans to connect the county complex with its now-owned former State Journal-Register building, along with the Lincoln Home and the area commemorating the 1908 race riots.

And he says for the doubters out there, the work will happen.

Meanwhile, Van Meter says plans could begin to take shape soon on a way to turn the area around the Bank of Springfield Center, into a convention center.

Van Meter says interest in the project is there — at least, among building contractors.

“Recently, by agreement, the county issued a [Request for Proposals] to gauge the interest of national firms in developing a convention center and hotel complex,” said Van Meter.  “I’m pleased to report at least three firms with national credentials have expressed a serious interest in the public-private partnership required to execute this vision.”

Van Meter says it would be paid for with what he called “a menu” of revenue sources, including state and federal dollars, but no tax increases. But he says the Pritzker administration has stressed the city and county work together to make it happen.

Van Meter says also in the way of county upgrades, there also is a $10 million upgrade to its emergency radio system, which he says for the first time, connects all county first responders.

And what about roads?  While the Woodside Overpass and Iron Bridge Underpass have officially started, there’s another part.

“Assuming the bids this summer meet our budget, we believe the extension of MacArthur (Boulevard) will be completed at about the same time,” said Van Meter.

Van Meter says both projects would be done about three years from now — thinking the project that could better connect Chatham and Springfield, will spur more housing development at a time he thinks it’s desperately needed.