Communications

WHAT’S INSIDE? MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN BUDGET IN BRIEF COUNTY BOARD Connection Lake County LAKE COUNTY MAKES SMART INVESTMENTS FOR THE FUTURE TRANSPORTATION $500 million over next 6 years – 100% of the ¼ cent sales tax (about $28 million annually) is going to improve transportation and is resulting in some big, bold improvements across the county: o Rollins Road at IL Route 83 – This huge construction project in Round Lake Beach—DOT’s biggest project in its 100 year history—includes construction of an underpass for the roadway and moving it under railroad tracks. Construction should be complete in December 2014. EFFICIENT JUSTICE Courthouse Expansion: A $100 million, multi-year project to build a new 9-story courthouse in downtown Waukegan is underway. The courts tower, along with a new tunnel connecting the jail and existing courthouse, along with other efficiency measures will support increased growth of the justice system, and better manage the jail population. The county board planned and saved for this project, and is paying for it with 30% cash and bonding the balance. Rollins Road at Route 83 Rendering o Fairfield Road at IL 176 – This large project near Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda includes a complete reconstruction and widening of Fairfield Road and IL Route 176 to accommodate two 12-foot lanes of traffic in each direction, as well as a new traffic signal. Courthouse Expansion Project Rendering Court Records Access: The public can now access certain civil, criminal, and traffic public records of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court through the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Visit www.lakecountyil.gov to access these court records, and other Lake County records. Fairfield Road at IL 176 Rendering LAKE COUNTY PASSAGE Visit www.lakecountypassage.com for information on all DOT construction projects, check out live cameras, and local traffic info. You can also sign up for email alerts, or download PASSAGE apps to your mobile device. REGIONAL COLLABORATION & COOPERATION Lake County is giving significant focus to collaborating with other governments to operate more efficiently. We’re working with two groups that are exploring ways to jointly contract for services, cooperatively purchase goods, and share services such as building inspections. We also are focusing on enhancing communication, transparency and looking at issues with a regional perspective.