The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors is expected to approve a $4 million contract at its meeting next week to Schaumburg-based TranSystems Corp. that will continue to plan for the proposed extension of Illinois Route 53/120 in Lake County. If approved, TranSystems will develop a detailed engineering concept, evaluate cost estimates, refine traffic and revenue analyses and survey customers' willingness to pay tolls on the proposed extension. The contract also includes services to study the environmental and economic impacts of the project. 

The Tollway's Finance Administration Operations and Strategic Planning Committees recommended the proposed contract to the Tollway Board after reviewing the Illinois Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council's report.  A key recommendation from the Council was development of a coordinated, corridorwide land use plan. This will be led by Lake County and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and will actively engage each municipality along the corridor to develop an integrated plan for land use, transportation, economic development and open space. The Council recommended that the completed plan be adopted by Lake County and each municipality. The corridor plan process is expected to be underway by mid-2013.

The Illinois Route 53/120 Extension is expected to cost between $2.3 and $2.7 billion. Cost estimates developed as part of the detailed engineering concept will inform future discussions on how to finance the project and potential sources of revenue.  This could include local and other sources, as recommended by the Council.

The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors is expected to approve the contract at its February 28, 2013, meeting. February 28 meeting - Webcast Information. Read Full News Release.

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: dhewitt@lakecountyil.gov or 847.244.2742.

Thank you,

Diane Hewitt

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Lake County residents will elect officials to serve on municipal, township, park and library district boards, as well as school board members, community college and regional board of school trustees on April 9th. 

Residents wishing to vote who are new to Lake County, moved to a new address in Lake County, turned 18 on or before Election Day, or have changed one's name need to register with a deputy registrar by Tuesday, March 12.

Registration is available at the County Clerk's office and at most municipal, township and library facilities. To find the nearest registration location, voters may view Official Places of Voter Registration. Visit LakeVoterPower.info or call 847.377.2410 to confirm registration status.  

Whenever there is increased rainfall, and the Des Plaines River starts to rise, the Gurnee community worries about Gurnee Grade School on Kilbourne Road. The school is located directly in the floodplain and when the river floods, the school must be surrounded by a wall of sandbags. Those worries will be put to rest now that the Lake County Board approved $2.7 million to purchase Gurnee Grade School. The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) worked with local partners and representatives from School District #56, the Village of Gurnee, and the Gurnee Park District to secure a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to reimburse the cost of purchasing and demolishing the school. Once the school is removed from the floodplain, the open land will be transferred to the Gurnee Park District.

Watch the presentation and discussion from the meeting. (click on agenda item #40 to go directly to this topic).  

Jobapalooza Connects Youth and Young Adults to Jobs and Resources   

Jobapalooza is a job, resource and training fair for people ages 15 to 21. Nearly 30 employers will provide information on full-time, part-time and seasonal positions. Attendees can also get information on work permits, Social Security cards and personal finance, and hear about training opportunities.

March 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
College of Lake County, Gymnasium, Building 7, Grayslake

For more information, call 847.543.2059 or view the flyer

Summer Youth Employment Program

It is time, once again, for the Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program. This popular program, funded by the Lake County Board, will provide meaningful work experiences for approximately 150 youth this summer. Learn more about the program in this three-minute video.  

For program requirements and information on how to apply, please visit the website. Applications will be accepted during the month of February.

When winter weather strikes, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has more than just plows and salt to clear the roads. There is an entire "Snow Command" behind the scenes utilizing technology and years of research to make the operation as efficient and safe as possible. LCDOT plows roughly 800 lane miles of road, split into 25 routes. Lake County's 25 routes only cover county roads (identified by the 5-sided blue and gold route markers). State routes are plowed by the Illinois Department of Transportation, and municipal and township roads are handled by the individual cities or townships. Learn More. 

Check Local Road Conditions with Lake County PASSAGE   

Whether it's snowing, or before you start your commute, check www.lakecountypassage.com for live, local traffic information. You can view a map of road conditions and events, including crashes, stalls, debris, and other roadway incidents, and see camera images of major intersections across Lake County. You can also sign up for customized email alerts, or listen to 1620 AM radio. PASSAGE: 847-377-7000

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center will offer reduced water testing rates in observance of National Ground Water Awareness Week in March. From March 11 through March 21, water samples may be brought to the Lake County Central Permit Facility and Environmental Laboratory, 500 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. During this time, the normal $16 analysis fee for testing for bacteria and nitrates will be reduced to $10 for well owners. Learn More.