On September 26, 2024, we at Galesburg Reporter submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Henderson County. The request pertains to the county's vendor payments made from January 1, 2024, till September 26, 2024. Specifically, we sought details such as the vendor name, transaction date, transaction description, and the amount involved in each payment.
This move aligns with our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. As media professionals, we believe that access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced in July 2023 the most extensive multi-year program, Rebuild Illinois, aimed at improving and repairing all modes of transportation. Governor JB Pritzker expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative stating "Over the next six years, we're investing over $40 billion to improve all modes of transportation across our great state. That means better roads and bridges, modernized transit and aviation, and expanded and faster passenger rail service."
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois program is planning or implementing ten major projects in Chicago. The program is investing $396 million in these projects with an aim to improve safety and mobility on Illinois's roads and bridges. Three of these ten projects are scheduled for completion in 2024 while the remaining seven are projected for completion between 2025 through 2030.
The department also revealed that they are investing $107 million in seven projects slated for completion in Kane County under the Rebuild Illinois program. Additionally, central Cook County will see an investment of $220 million into ten projects focusing on road and bridge construction as part of the Rebuild Illinois program.
We at Galesburg Reporter will continue to monitor and report on these developments, providing transparency and accountability to our readers.
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