WC Board
Leglislative Committee Meeting Briefs
Federal Grant Deadline Extended: The Surface Transportation Reauthorization deadline has been extended to May 30 for policy submissions, with both House and Senate committees actively seeking stakeholder input ahead of the September 2026 expiration. FEMA Program Cuts: The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program was cancelled in April, eliminating a major source of disaster…
Read MoreSpeed Limits Reduced on Two Township Roads
The committee approved new speed zones for two township roads based on engineering studies showing current limits exceed safe driving speeds. Offner Road in Green Garden Township will have a new 45 mph speed limit between Center Road and 88th Avenue, covering one mile. The engineering study found 85% of drivers travel at or below…
Read MoreWill County Finance Committee Approves Juvenile Detention Center Upgrades
Committee votes to keep facility operational, moves forward with compliance modifications Will County Finance Committee members voted unanimously Monday to recommend keeping the River Valley Detention Center operational and making necessary upgrades to bring the facility into compliance with state requirements. The committee’s decision came after extensive discussion about the facility’s cost structure and revenue…
Read MoreMajor Grade Separation Projects Advance with Engineering Contracts
The committee approved two significant engineering agreements for major railroad overpass projects totaling over $4 million. TranSystems Corporation received a $4,003,256 contract for construction engineering services on the Lorenzo Road overpass project spanning the BNSF Railroad in county board District 1. This project, funded entirely by BNSF Railway, will construct a new two-span bridge carrying…
Read MoreCounty Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80. Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners. The Francis Road project…
Read MoreSolar Farm Access Approved for Manhattan-Arsenal Road
The committee granted access approval for a solar farm development on Manhattan-Arsenal Road approximately 1,000 feet east of Cherry Hill Road. The MCH Solar 1 project, developed by Soltage LLC, received a special use permit from Will County earlier this year. Because Manhattan-Arsenal Road is designated as a county freeway, any new access points require…
Read MoreWill County Finance Committee Meeting Briefs
Budget Transfers Approved: The Finance Committee approved transferring $18,643 within the Supervisor of Assessments budget to move funds from software licensing to computer hardware purchases. Animal Protection Services Funding: Committee members approved a $250,000 transfer from full-time salaries to professional services in the Animal Protection Services budget to address operational needs. Coroner’s Grant Appropriation: The…
Read MorePublic Works Committee Briefs
Major Projects Update: Construction continues on several major projects including the 80th Avenue expressway overpass, Laraway Road widening near Cedar Road, and Bell Road improvements. The Bell Road project at 143rd Street intersection experienced utility conflicts that are being resolved. Utility Agreement: The committee approved a $1.4 million reimbursement agreement with Nicor Gas Company for…
Read MoreCapital Improvements & IT Committee Briefs
Bed donation program: Will County donated old beds from Sunny Hill Nursing Home to Joliet Junior College and Project Cure after the nursing home received all new beds for residents. A portion of the donated beds through Project Cure will be distributed nationally and internationally. Courthouse plaza footprint: The footprint of the original courthouse at…
Read MoreWill County Board Rejects Two Solar Farm Projects After Heated Public Opposition
New Lenox area residents cite safety concerns, property values in opposing commercial solar facilities The Will County Board voted decisively against two proposed commercial solar energy facilities during its May 15 meeting, marking a continued pattern of local resistance to large-scale solar development in residential areas. By a vote of 16-5, the board rejected Pentagon…
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