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.