Press Releases

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 kathleenburke@willcountyillinois.com.
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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Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee construction updates

5/26/2022

May 26, 2022
JOLIET – Will County is moving forward with several important transportation projects in the coming months. As one of the fastest growing counties in Illinois, these investments in local roads and bridges is critical to keeping Will County roads safe.
Will County Board member and Public Works & Transportation Chair Joe VanDuyne said, “improving county roads creates safer and more efficient travel for Will County residents and visitors. I am glad these projects are moving forward and eager to see the results.”
Director of Transportation and County Engineer, Jeff Ronaldson, provided the following updates regarding current or scheduled Will County Department of Transportation projects.
Plainfield-Naperville Road
Resurfacing on Plainfield-Naperville Road is expected to begin June 2022, in Wheatland Township, from south of 119th Street to 87th Street. Completion is currently scheduled for August 2022.
Cedar Road
An agreement between the Illinois Department of Transportation and Will County was reached allowing for improvements on Cedar Road over Spring Creek, in Homer Township. The project, initially scheduled to begin June 2022, is delayed due to material shortages. IDOT is awaiting a revised contract from the contractor with new dates.
Weber/I-55 Interchange
Ronaldson said, “there will be some traffic changes at the Weber/I-55 interchange. To put the diverging diamond interchange into service, left turns will be prohibited at the I-55/Weber Road ramps at various times tentatively starting from 8PM June 10 and ending at 5AM June 20. Appropriate signage will be installed to warn and direct motorists appropriately.”

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Board approves work site contracts for new morgue

5/19/2022

May 19, 2022

JOLIET – The Will County Board approved multiple work bids to begin foundational construction for a new, modern facility that will house both the morgue and the coroner under one roof.
Will County Board Speaker, Mimi Cowan, Naperville, said, “We are pleased that work is commencing on the Will County morgue. Coroner Summers and her staff do an amazing job serving the residents of Will County and their loved ones, oftentimes in their darkest hours. This critically needed new facility will streamline the coroner’s operations and provide better services for all our residents.”
As the number of Will County residents increases, unfortunately so does the number of death cases. The entire caseload for the county, excluding hospice burials, is up 84% since 2019. Sadly, many of these deaths are attributed to drug overdoses.
“This modern, well-equipped facility will serve our needs for years to come,” said Coroner Laurie Summers. “My staff and I appreciate the progress that has been made by the County Board to advance this project. It is great to see construction beginning on the new facility.”
Currently, the coroner shares an office with the Will County Recorder of Deeds in downtown Joliet. Autopsies are performed at the morgue on Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill.
“We have had great success building new facilities for the Sheriff, Health Department and the new County Courthouse. This is another step in our multi-year capital campaign to modernize county buildings so work can be done more efficiently and effectively,” said County Board Member and Capital Improvements Committee Chair Herbert Brooks Jr., Joliet.

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County Board expected to approve $75K in funding for U of I Extension

5/18/2022

May 18, 2022
JOLIET – The Will County Board is expected to approve an increase in funding for the University of Illinois Extension at tomorrow’s monthly board meeting. The Extension provides resources and education tools for young people and adults in Grundy, Kankakee and Will Counties. The Board will allocate $75,000 for these programs, an increase from $50,000 in previous years. In 2021, Extension programming logged 13,934 of volunteer hours and reached 12,186 individuals.
The extension serves all areas of Will County, including a group of youth who enrolled in a 4-H consumer economics class. Attendees learned about the importance of budgeting, saving, investing and making career choices. After completing a series of requirements, including a mock interview, the students were given a $40 gift card to practice their new fiscal skills.
“The Extension’s financial literacy classes are an excellent resource for our community. These classes encourage financial independence and ultimately reduce the amount of people relying on support from the government. It’s a win-win,” said County Board Member and Finance Chair, Jackie Traynere, Bolingbrook.
The Extension’s success story includes SNAP-Education which hosted 248 nutrition classes in 2021. These courses impart complete instruction for both English and Spanish speakers while, “informing and empowering SNAP-eligible audiences to adopt healthier habits that meet their needs and lifestyles,” according to the University of Illinois Extension 2021 Illinois Impact Report.
“I look forward to seeing how the next generation of students will benefit from this vast, research-based resource we have right here in Will County,” said Board Member Judy Ogalla, Monee. “The Extension benefits a variety of Will County residents, whether they are rural, suburban or urban.”
Throughout the pandemic, while groceries were struggling to keep food on the shelves, the extension offered weekly Master Gardener classes and distributed instructional materials and seeds. This programming is particularly helpful in food deserts throughout the region where it is challenging to access healthy food options.
“We are grateful for the education provided by the University of Illinois Extension,” said Board Majority Leader, Meta Mueller, Aurora. “My hope is these classes help alleviate some of the pressure and anxiety families are feeling due to the pandemic.”
The University of Illinois Extension in Will County provides practical translations of cutting-edge research to help people, businesses and communities find answers to some of the most pressing issues of our modern world. Their work is guided by a desire to create meaningful progress toward addressing a select group of issues, which we call grand challenges. More information can be found at: www.extension.illinois.edu/gkw

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Will County Board advances ARPA distributions to townships, forest preserve and fire protection districts

5/12/2022

May 12, 2022
JOLIET – At today’s Executive Committee Meeting Will County Board members voted to move forward with township, Forest Preserve and fire protection district allocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Will County was allocated $133 million in federal revenue to support community recovery efforts following the pandemic.
“Today we made important progress, moving the first allocations of ARPA money,” said Board Speaker Mimi Cowan, of Naperville. “This is one step in a complex process that will take additional time to complete.”
Board members stressed the importance of meaningful impact for residents. Income, education and employment, among many other factors, will be taken into consideration for allocation of funds.
“We are being diligent in our collaboration to ensure ARPA dollars go where they are needed most,” said Majority Leader Meta Mueller, Aurora. “Distribution to these organizations helps us reach underserved communities. Plus, the ARPA funds create paths to provide healthy and safe recreational activities for all our residents.”
The board is working to structure a comprehensive allocation plan that serves the needs of the entire county. Through surveys and other public meetings, Will County is continuously engaging stakeholders throughout the community. Additional opportunities for engagement will be announced over the next several months.
Minority Leader Mike Fricilone, Homer Glen, added, “Townships provide critical services to residents. We want to make sure we are supporting them in their mission.”
Formal applications are being developed and will be released soon. Please continue to check the Will County Board website for additional updates. The Will County Board intends to offer assistance with applications as needed.
For more information on the Will County Board please visit www.willcountyboard.com.

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Land Use & Development Committee recommends funding of We WILL Grow School and Community Garden Program

5/10/2022

May 10, 2022
JOLIET – The Will County Board’s Land Use & Development Committee met May 10, 2022, and received a presentation on the We WILL Grow School and Community Garden Program. The program has seen incredible success promoting locally grown fruits and vegetables.
“Our committee proudly supports this tremendous initiative that is having a great impact on our local communities,” said Chairman Tyler Marcum, District 10.   ”As an avid gardener myself, I am eager for county residents to benefit from these community gardens.”
The Will County Land Use Department’s Division of Resource, Recovery & Energy has been a leader in sustainable environmental practices, directly developing communities by providing continuing education opportunities for residents. With the help and guidance of We WILL Grow, the National Hook-up for Black Women have maintained a garden south of Joliet, for the Preston Heights and Sugar Creek neighborhoods.
In 2021 Will County purposefully distributed over 200,00 pounds of produce to food deserts. The community gardens program is just one of the many services Land Use staff provide, educating community.
“My hope is the gardens will provide a little relief for our hard-working families who are hurting from rising inflation costs, said Board Member Jackie Traynere District 4. “By promoting the creation and continuation of these community gardens we are offering people healthy food choices and ultimately saving them on food expenses.”

More information can be found on the County Board website at www.willcountyboard.com/important-info.html
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