​JOLIET – The second phase of storm drain construction in the Fairmont neighborhood in Lockport Township was announced by the Will County Board today. Continued construction of the new storm water management system will bring additional relief to residents. Fairmont has long been plagued by flooding issues and phase one of construction was recently completed.  

​JOLIET – Officials from the Will County Board today accepted a $10,000 check from Citgo to help fund the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), an arm of the Will County State’s Attorney’s office. The funds will be used to underwrite the only fundraising event of the year for the CAC, “Men Who Cook,” to be held September 22 at the Chicagoland Speedway. 

JOLIET – Recent high-level discussions with Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration has led Will County Board leadership to press for funding improvements on I-80 through the county. Leadership says that I-80 is vital to Illinois' economy which will soon start to suffer due to the failing interstate. The board is hopeful that more funding will be available in the near future. In discussions with the Illinois Secretary of Transportation and the Governor, board leadership stressed the importance of updating roads and bridges to support the booming shipping industry that has grown over the last few decades.
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“The $34.4 million for the I-80 interchange at US-30 was one piece of the puzzle,” said Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort). “There are many more pieces. As the largest inland port in the United States, it is vital that the County Board continue to aggressively push for additional funds for projects that will facilitate the flow of goods into and around the Chicago area.”

JOLIET - The Will County Board announced today that they have received a grant of $34.4 million to rebuild the US 30 interchange at I-80. The total cost of the project is $43 million.

“The I-80 corridor through Will County is one of the busiest stretches of interstate in the country,” said Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort). “With the largest inland port in the US, it is paramount that our county seeks every available dollar to improve the safety and flow of traffic on I-80.”

​JOLIET – The Will County Board voted this week in favor of green energy by increasing the amount of renewable electricity they purchase to 50 percent. The county currently purchases 12 percent of their energy from renewable sources. Twelve percent is the minimum level set by the Illinois General Assembly. 

JOLIET  – Today, the Will County Board received a $63,000 incentive check from ComEd and Nicor for including energy efficiency measures in the design and construction of the new Public Safety Complex and Sheriff’s Department. 

JOLIET  – The Illinois State Crime Commission (ISCC) has recognized Will County Board member and Majority Leader Chuck Maher (R-Naperville) with a 2018 Award for Excellence in County Government for his work on the Will County Board.  The ISCC honors individuals each year that it deems have exhibited excellence in government, business, and community service achievements.
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“I’m incredibly honored to have received this award from such a remarkable organization,” Maher said. “Although a lot has been accomplished since I first joined the Will County Board more than a decade ago, there’s still work to be done. I look forward to continuing my efforts on the Board and serving my constituents.”

JOLIET  – The Will County Board shifted its Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan into gear at its February Board Meeting with a vote to implement a new permitting system for oversized trucks that is designed to keep roads running smoothly for Will County residents.

“Maintaining quality of life for our residents is vital, especially as we balance it with the freight industry in Will County,” said Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort).  “This new Oxcart program will help us achieve that balance so that residents can continue to move safely throughout the county.”
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By law, overweight and oversized trucks must obtain a permit to drive on county highways. Currently, application for these permits is still executed by fax. Oxcart Permit Systems, LLC, is a Palatine, Illinois-based company that provides an online platform to facilitate permitting and payments for oversize and overweight trucks. 

JOLIET  – Will County Board Member Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville) is calling on county residents to support animal safety bills as they make their way through Springfield.  Senate Bill 2280, dubbed the Animal Welfare - Pet Shops bill, would put restrictions on the retail sale of dogs and cats by pet shop owners in Will and DuPage counties. It is awaiting committee assignment.

“Now is the time for citizens to step up and tell their lawmakers to vote for these bills,” said Legislative & Policy Committee Chair Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville). “I'm asking residents to make their voices heard so we can eradicate puppy mills and animal cruelty here for good. We need to provide a voice for these animals because they can't speak for themselves.”
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SB2280 would require stores to only sell dogs and cats from a 501c3 organization. Consumers will also still have the option to purchase puppies from breeders; reputable, responsible breeders do not sell animals to pet stores, brokers, or online. The hope is that the legislation will curb the operation of unscrupulous breeders that often house many animals in poor conditions. The animals are often poorly bred leading to myriad health problems that can cost owners large sums of money. 

JOLIET— The Will County Board today passed an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Joliet that will lead to the opening of Chicago Street, the construction of a new parking lot near Union Station, and the transfer of various parcels of land. The changes will support the new courthouse being built on the corner of Ottawa and Jefferson streets, while improving the City of Joliet's infrastructure.
 
"I'm glad we could come to this agreement with Mayor O'Dekirk, who has been a big supporter of our new state-of-the-art courthouse," said Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort). "It demonstrates how different levels of government can work together to the benefit of both the County and the City."
 
Through the agreement, the County will transfer a parcel of land to the City of Joliet between Washington and Jefferson streets, which will allow the City to connect existing portions of Chicago Street and open it up to through traffic. Since this move will eliminate some parking, the County and City will construct a new parking lot near Union Station.