The city will  install 36 miles of new water mains and repave more than 250 blocks of local streets as part of a $1.9 billion capital improvement plan announced today.

Mayor Richard M. Daley outlined his 2008 capital improvement program at a press conference in the East Side neighborhood, which will soon see fresh pavement on its streets thanks to the program.

In addition to paving and water upgrades, it includes sidewalk improvements, and installation of new street lights and traffic signals in locations across the city.

The program also includes a five-year road map for infrastructure projects. The five-year plan amounts to $6.7 billion and will finance improvements at both city airports as well as construction of three new libraries and a senior center.

"These improvements not only will strengthen our infrastructure, but also will stimulate the local economy by creating opportunities for businesses and workers that carry out all these projects," the mayor said.

The city will pay for the projects with enterprise funds, general obligation and revenue bonds, and tax increment financing. The city receives very little aid for infrastructure projects from both the federal and state government, Daley says.

Lawrence Msall, president of the Civic Federation of Chicago, which advocates for improved government efficiency and tax policy, says the $1.9 billion this year is a slight increase from the past and appears to be a positive step forward.

"We have to maintain the infrastructure and the safety of the infrastructure that provide the means for the city to operate," Msall said.

Msall says the organization is pleased that the city has made the outline of the capital plan available to the public, but would like the city to be more transparent about which projects will receive priority and specifically which will receive TIF funds.

"The Civic Federation is concerned that a good portion (of the program) is funded through TIF proceeds," he saYS. "We urge the city of Chicago to be more transparent as to how TIF funds are allocated."

The program also includes:

• Reconstructing more than 9 miles of sewers and rehabilitating an additional 5 miles
• Repaving more than 130 alleys
• Replacing over 250 blocks of sidewalks
• Installing new street lights to over 440 blocks of residential areas
• Constructing 24 blocks of new streets
• Installing and upgrading traffic signals at 34 intersections