A federal lobbyist told County Board members this week that his firm helped acquire $1 million–most of it for a beleaguered Joliet subdivision’s water and sewerage system.
Jim Smith, president of Smith, Dawson & Andrews, said his Washington-based company helped Will County acquire $700,000 for the Ridgewood subdivision–targeted for redevelopment in a joint effort with Joliet.
The subdivision, near Silver Cross Hospital, has 182 homes without access to municipal sewerage, and 368 homes lacking access to municipal water, according to a county Health Department study.
Smith told the County Board’s Legislative Committee that his firm’s efforts also resulted in Congress earmarking $300,000 for the county to study flooding as part of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Flood Plain Management Services Program.
In addition, Smith said he is optimistic federal funding would be forthcoming for wireless communications upgrades for the Sheriff’s Department and for a “law enforcement initiative.” He said both projects have been approved, but have yet to receive funding.
The lobbying firm also has made federal legislators aware Will County also is seeking funding for a multi-jurisdictional land-use plan for a commercial airport in eastern Will County and Interstate Highway 355 corridor improvements, he said. Smith, Dawson & Andrews began lobbying for Will County in February.