LCMLetterNews you can use
August 16, 2012
In this issue
:: Tollway Supports Route 53/120 Plan
:: Energy Efficiency Grants
:: Green Infrastructure Grants
:: Mobile App for Census Data
Greetings!
The LCMLetter is published twice a month and its goal is to keep Lake County Municipal League members informed on municipal issues. As issues relevant to municipal officials arise, the LCMLetter will provide you with a synopsis of the issues and provide you with a link for further details.

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Strategic Planning Committee Supports IL Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council's Recommendations

 

Lake County Board Chairman, David Stolman, attended the August 15 Strategic Planning Committee of Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. At the meeting, tollway staff presented the Committee with a summary of the IL Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council's key recommendations and began discussing next steps for the corridor improvement.  

 

The committee supported the Tollway beginning the process of engaging consultants to develop a more detailed design concept for the 53/120 corridor. This would include developing details regarding design, traffic, cost estimates and financing options. The committee also supported working with CMAP, Lake County and the communities along the 53/120 corridor to initiate a corridor land use plan.

Energy Efficiency grants available

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) is offering grants to local governments for these energy efficiency projects. Grants are formula-based with a maximum per building of $30,000 and a maximum per municipality of $120,000. The application deadline is September 13, 2012.

Please note: Municipalities who take advantage of these ICECF funds are also eligible for the DCEO grants the Mayors Caucus will administer. By taking advantage of both funds municipalities may get up to 100% of their indoor lighting improvements paid for!


If you are interested in applying for ICECF funding, please contact Mike Stanch, Energy Solutions Manager, 360 Energy Group at Michael@360eg.com or at (312) 403-5835.
Green Infrastructure Grants

The Illinois EPA is offering a third round of Illinois Green Infrastructure grants. The Agency will be accepting grant proposals until December 15. Click here for more details.
 

Census Bureau Releases Mobile App for Real-Time Statistics on U.S. Economy

  

The U.S. Census Bureau released its first-ever mobile application, "America's Economy," which will provide constantly updated statistics on the U.S. economy, including monthly economic indicators, trends, along with a schedule of upcoming announcements. The app, which is currently available for Android mobile device users, combines statistics from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

America's Economy is the first mobile app from the Census Bureau that provides smartphone and tablet users with the real-time government statistics that drive business hiring, sales and production decisions and assist economists, researchers, planners and policymakers.The economic indicators track monthly and quarterly trends in industries, such as employment, housing construction, international trade, personal income, retail sales and manufacturing.

 

America's Economy is available now for Android users and is expected be available for Apple smartphone and tablet users in the Apple App Store in the coming weeks. America's Economy is the first of three planned apps from the Census Bureau that will be made available over the next several months. Each app will be available for Apple and Android smartphones.        

To learn more go to http://www.census.gov/econ/                 
Please share this LCMLetter with staff. It is our aim to keep elected officials and their village staff informed about the issues facing municipalities.
 
Sincerely,
Christine Gentes
Lake County Municipal League