​JOLIET--  Two Will County Board members took a trip to the nation's Capital recently in order to speak with a Congressional Delegation and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) on behalf of Will County residents. Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort) and Board Member Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville) met with eight different legislators over the course of two days to discuss Will County’s transportation and infrastructure projects, as well as the County's response to the nationwide opioid crisis.
 
"It’s important to meet with our legislators face-to-face to have more meaningful discussions about the needs of our constituents," Moustis said. "We were especially pleased with the bipartisan support we received for our Friendly Freight Mobility Plan." 

​JOLIET--  Will County residents will soon have another spot to drop off old computers, televisions, and other electronic products thanks to an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the City of Wilmington. Under the agreement, Wilmington has agreed to host and maintain a collection site over two one-day collection events in 2017.
 
"Cell phones, televisions, laptops, you name it-- electronics are everywhere these days," said Board Member Don Gould (R-Shorewood). "It's important we dispose of these items in an environmentally friendly and safe way."
 
As of 2012, electronic products were banned from landfills under the state's Electronic Products Recycling & Reuse Act. This includes items such as computers, monitors, televisions, keyboards, printers, fax machines, video game consoles, scanners, satellite receivers, electronic mice, and more. Instead, electronic products are required to be disposed of in specified sites. The Wilmington recycling events will accept both electronic and traditional recyclables.
 
"The residents of Wilmington take pride in their city, and this program will help keep these products out of their ditches and off the side of the road," said Board Member Debbie Militello (R-Channahon). "I'm happy we could provide this service through the agreement between the county and Wilmington."

WILL COUNTY – The Will County Emergency Management Agency has announced the launch of a new emergency preparedness smartphone app entitled Ready Will County. This application will enable residents to create and manage personal emergency plans in the palm of their hand.
 
“Almost everyone has a smartphone these days, and the capacity of these phones is increasing rapidly,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “You can manage your schedule and personal information from your phone, so it makes sense to have your emergency plans and information readily accessible through your phone, too.” 

JOLIET--  At today's Will County Board Meeting, members unanimously approved the appointment of Debbie Militello to the board's vacant position in District 6. The appointment comes after the previous representative of District 6, Ragan Freitag of Wilmington, retired from her position on the Board to become the Chief of Staff earlier this year.
 
Board Speaker Jim Moustis lead the search for a replacement board member, as the party of the departing board member gets to select the replacement. Kathey Havel, chairwoman of the Will County Republican Central Committee, nominated Militello for approval by the Will County Executive's office.
 
"I think Debbie will be a strong addition to the Will County Board, especially due to her extensive knowledge of the budget and of how Will County functions. Debbie also is uniquely qualified due to her experience in different levels of government, including local and state," said Board Speaker Jim Moustis. "The board will be working on a number of initiatives for county residents this year, and I'm glad we can move forward with a full board." 

​JOLIET, IL – Will County Board Member Annette Parker (R-Crest Hill) has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Services, an agency that provides services and support for individuals with disabilities in Joliet, Will County, and Kankakee County.
 
"I am honored to be a member of Cornerstone's Board of Directors," Parker said. "Cornerstone provides essential services to those with disabilities so they can lead more independent lives. I look forward to working with the other board members and the Cornerstone staff  to advocate for those in Will County who need a little bit more help getting their voices heard."

JOLIET, IL – Will County Board members decided to check the progress of one of the county's biggest capital improvement projects late last month. Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort), Gloria Dollinger (R-Joliet), and Don Moran (D-Romeoville) visited the new Public Safety Complex in Joliet, which is now ahead of schedule and under budget thanks to an accelerated contract. 
 
"It was rewarding to see the construction of the Public Safety Complex coming along so well," said Board Speaker Jim Moustis. "The project has been a great example of the county board leadership's efforts to make the lives of Will County residents safer."
 
Construction on the Public Safety Complex began in October 2016, and was initially estimated to be completed by March 2018 at a cost of $29.5 million. The building should be complete three months early, in December 2017, thanks to an accelerated contract.

JOLIET – At the March meeting of the Will County Board, members voted to adopt the Long Range Transportation Plan known as Will Connects 2040. This plan will be a blueprint to transform the county’s transportation plan over the next 25 years.
 
“The transportation needs of our county have changed dramatically over the past ten years,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “The Will Connects 2040 plan has studied our present and future needs, identified potential funding sources, and has determined a set of strategic investment priorities to move our county forward. As the world’s largest inland port and the one of the fastest growing counties in the state, I am proud we are taking this proactive initiative in planning for our future.”
 
"Will County will continue to develop infrastructure to better serve our residents, which is why it is important to keep an updated transportation plan,” said Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis. “Will Connects 2040 will provide a guide for future development projects so we can make sure we address the needs of residents with ample planning and funding."

JOLIET, IL – Will County Board member Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet) has been selected to participate in the Healthy Counties Roundtable Discussion for the National Association of Counties (NACo) this April in Hartford, Connecticut.
 
 “I’m proud to represent Will County at this roundtable discussion,” said Winfrey. “I know access to and coverage by affordable healthcare is something many people are concerned about with potential changes to the healthcare system looming in the future. I will make sure to make the concerns of my constituents known at the national level.” 

JOLIET, IL – Officials from the Will County Executive, Will County Board and the City of Joliet have announced that after years of being closed between Washington and Jefferson streets, Chicago Street will open to the public as part of a larger property exchange between the county and city. The agreement will benefit Joliet’s downtown redevelopment plans, the county, and the general public.
 
“Every downtown development plan the city has invested in indicates that reconnecting Chicago Street is key to revitalize downtown Joliet,” said Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk. “The city has talked about this for years, but took no action to make it happen. I am thrilled that we have worked out this deal and can announce that reconnecting Chicago Street and building the city center square is no longer just an idea, it will be a reality. Thanks to our staff, councilman John Gerl, and our good friends at Will County for once again coming together to improve our great city."
 
As part of the negotiations, Will County has agreed to trade property with Joliet that will allow Chicago Street to open between Washington and Jefferson streets. Joliet will also receive Van Buren Plaza, where the former State's Attorney building now sits across from the historic Rialto Square Theater, on which to build a public square.