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Committee continues transportation plan discussion, approves resurfacing of Wilmington-Peotone Rd.

6/13/2022

June 13, 2022
JOLIET – The Transportation & Public Works Committee is committed to improving transportation corridors for motorists to move safely and efficiently throughout the county. Committee Chair, Joe VanDuyne, is proud to announce the following updates:

Route 6 Partnership
An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) has been reached between Joliet, Channahon and Will County to work with the Illinois Department of Transporation (IDOT) on a collaborative transportation project. The information gathered in the Moving Will County project stressed the importance of supporting both economic development and communities by creating an effective truck route network to help ease congestion.
The first step is a Phase I study on U.S. Route 6, between I-55 and Houbolt Road. Following completion of the study IDOT, Will County and the municipalities will pursue federal and state infrastructure funding.
“The teamwork demonstrated throughout this project has been remarkable. We are committed to finding a sustainable balance, clustering freight and development to complement communities and environmental resources.” said Joe VanDuyne, Transportation & Public Works Chair.

Wilmington-Peotone Resurfacing
The Public Works & Transportation Committee approved the resurfacing of 4.74 miles on Wilmington-Peotone Road, from east of IL Route 53 to east of Martin Long Road.
The $1.15 million project will be paid for using Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds and is expected to begin July 2022, with an estimated completion in September 2022.
“During construction, the roadway will remain open with periodic lane closures with flaggers,” according to Will County Department of Transportation Director, Jeff Ronaldson.

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Will County applicants could see ARPA fund distribution as early as Aug. 1

6/10/2022

June 10, 2022
JOLIET – The Will County Executive Committee is continuing to allocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. At yesterday’s committee meeting, the Board considered allocation for the “Unmet Needs” pillar which encompasses townships, fire protection districts, park districts, libraries and municipal parks. Previously, the Board approved funds for townships, fire protection districts and the Will County Forest Preserve.
“We continue to press forward with funding plans and are eager to get these federal dollars to groups providing front line services for our residents,” said Speaker Mimi Cowan. “We are seeking input from the community on how to best allocate these funds and look forward to releasing ARPA dollars in the coming weeks.”
Will County’s ARPA consultants met with townships and fire protection district representatives this week to discuss eligible funding opportunities and review the application process. A total of $3.5 million has been allocated to townships, while $2.5 million has been allocated to fire protection districts.
Minority Leader, Mike Fricilone, stated, "I attended the meetings with both the townships and fire protection districts this week and I am confident that many will be submitting applications very soon. The County Board is doing our due diligence to make sure these critical funds are distributed appropriately. We want to get these dollars out into the community as soon as possible.”
“Bringing necessary resources to Will County residents remains our focus,” said Majority Leader Meta Mueller. “I am committed to ensuring underserved populations benefit from ARPA funding. Clean, safe drinking water is not a luxury.”
Applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility and compliance. Funding is expected to go out soon thereafter. Fund disbursement could begin as early as August 1, 2022.
Next steps for the County Board include further discussions surrounding healthcare, economic development strategies and county governmental services. These topics will be discussed over the next few months with applications to be made available soon.

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Overdose deaths expected to rise

6/10/2022

June 10, 2022
JOLIET – Between June 6 – 9, 2022, there were 10 opioid-involved deaths in Will County. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), "from June 2 - 7, 2022, multiple opioid overdoses (fatal and non-fatal) have occurred in collar counties, surrounding Cook County.”
Will County Coroner Laurie H. Summers indicated that majority of these overdose deaths have been due to cocaine mixed with fentanyl. IDPH said the following in a statement, “Coroner interviews with those knowledgeable about drug use circumstances suggest those who died thought they had purchased cocaine and were social (not regular) users.”
IDPH added, “If taking illicit substances, there are precautions that can be utilized to reduce risk for fatal and non-fatal overdose. Consider testing the substance for fentanyl using fentanyl test strips. Carry naloxone and do not use substances alone. Also, be aware that more than one dose of naloxone may be required to reverse an overdose, especially when synthetic opioids are involved.”
“We understand this is a troubling time and want people to know there is help,” said Public Health & Safety Chair Rachel Ventura. “The Will County Rapid Response Team is ready to distribute Narcan and fentanyl testing strips to anyone who wants or needs it. The Rapid Response Team is also available to help individuals who are ready for treatment. Narcan can be found in most micro pantries and is frequently restocked in hot spots. Time is of the essence to save lives right now.”
Substance Use Initiatives Director, Dr. Kathleen Burke, oversees the Rapid Response Team. Dr. Burke can be reached at 708-205-5782 or [email protected].
As of 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10, there was one additional case pending in Will County.

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Will County Board continues work on allocating ARPA funds; Townships, fire protection districts taking first steps

6/7/2022

June 7, 2022
JOLIET – The Will County Board continues to make progress with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund allocation.
Last month, the Board’s Executive Committee allocated funds for township governments, fire protection districts and the Will County Forest Preserve. On Tuesday, June 7, and Wednesday, June 8, representatives of Will County townships and representatives from fire protection districts are meeting with consulting firm Anser, who is assisting the Will County Board with ARPA planning. These informational sessions are designed to guide stakeholders through the application process.
“It is very important to the Board that we engage key stakeholders throughout the planning and allocation process of ARPA funds,” said County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan. “By actively working with those on the front line providing critical services we will have success in positively impacting all our communities.”
At last week's Executive Committee meeting, Speaker Cowan updated board members on ARPA planning work and listened to committee member suggestions. The committee agreed to continue the discussion of park districts, library districts and municipal parks at the next Executive Committee, where they will hear a presentation on how funds could be distributed.
Board Minority leader, Mike Fricilone said, “We have a unique opportunity to collaborate and listen to leaders from throughout the County and then act. I look forward to hearing what township officials and fire protection districts have to say.”
In July, the County Board’s Executive Committee is planning to discuss fund allocations for health agencies.

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Diversity and Inclusion committee reviews current data, aims to improve diversity within Will County government

6/1/2022

June 1, 2022
JOLIET –
The Will County Board formed a Diversity and Inclusion Committee in November 2020, to review the effectiveness of recruiting, planning and decision making to employ, retain and promote a diverse workforce.
As reflected in the 2020 census, Will County’s population continues to grow and become more diverse. County Board Member Margaret Tyson, of Bolingbrook, who chairs the Diversity and Inclusion committee said, “Will County is a diverse community, and we want county government to accurately reflect the diversity in our workforce and in those we do business with.”
Will County hired consulting firm Carmona Strategic Solutions to help guide the initial steps of creating a diversity master plan. The firm is collecting data to assist the County Board, County Executive and other stakeholders as they determine if there is a need for future change. This includes reviewing Will County’s biannual Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) report, finding areas for opportunity and addressing policies and procedures affecting diversity and inclusion throughout the Will County government.
“We are reviewing current county demographics to identify where we stand and what our target should be,” said County Board Member and vice chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Denise Winfrey, of Joliet. Denise is also National Association of Counties (NACo) First Vice President.
Next, the county plans to send a questionnaire to all Will County employees to identify the organizational culture. This will assist in determining if there are any reinforced shared beliefs and values that shape employee perceptions, behaviors and understanding.
Updates will be presented at the July committee meeting.

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Committee continues transportation plan discussion, approves resurfacing of Wilmington-Peotone Rd.

Will County applicants could see ARPA fund distribution as early as Aug. 1

Overdose deaths expected to rise

Will County Board continues work on allocating ARPA funds; Townships, fire protection districts taking first steps

Diversity and Inclusion committee reviews current data, aims to improve diversity within Will County government

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