NW Illinois News

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Carroll County on September 26, 2024, by NW Illinois News. The media organization sought detailed records of all payments made to vendors from January 1, 2024, till the date of the request.

The requested information included the vendor name, transaction date, transaction description, and the amount for each payment. As a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, NW Illinois News believes that access to public records is essential in fulfilling its professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.

This request comes in light of the announcement made by the Illinois Department of Transportation in July 2023 about Rebuild Illinois. This extensive multi-year program aims to improve and repair all modes of transportation across the state. Governor JB Pritzker highlighted that over $40 billion would be invested over six years into improving roads and bridges, modernizing transit and aviation, and expanding faster passenger rail service.

Matthew Jones Coroner at Carroll County | Official Website

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, ten major projects are being planned or implemented in Chicago under Rebuild Illinois. The program is investing $396 million in these projects to enhance safety and mobility on Illinois's roads and bridges. Three out of these ten projects are scheduled for completion in 2024 while the remaining seven are projected for completion between 2025 through 2030.

In Kane County alone, seven projects worth $107 million are underway under Rebuild Illinois. Additionally, central Cook County will see an investment of $220 million in ten projects aimed at constructing roads and bridges.

As part of our commitment at NW Illinois News to provide comprehensive coverage on local governmental affairs, we will continue to seek transparency regarding public spending.