ELK GROVE VILLAGE
Stimulus request will be $26 million
Elk Grove Village is applying for $26 million in federal economic stimulus money, but officials say they worry about Chicago’s request for a share of the cash to fund the continuing expansion of O’Hare International Airport, which the northwest suburb opposes.
Most of Elk Grove Village’s request would be used to make infrastructure improvements, including replacing sewer lines and water mains, Mayor Craig Johnson said.
He said the Illinois congressional delegation is “aware of our needs.”
But reports that Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley may seek $50 million in economic stimulus funds for O’Hare “give me greater reason to be concerned,” Johnson said after a Village Board meeting Tuesday.
Elk Grove Village and Bensenville have lost property to the expansion project and remain opposed to it.
— Ken Manson
HIGHLAND PARK
More Top Picks Heater
Infrastructure focus of city’s wish list
Highland Park has lined up nearly $25 million in “shovel-ready” infrastructure improvement projects as it hopes to get its share of the federal stimulus package.
“We’re working aggressively to ensure that we put the city in the best position possible to receive some of these stimulus dollars,” Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb told the City Council this week. “We’re focusing our attention on … areas in which Highland Park can compete favorably for funding.”
Projects being readied for state and federal applications include $7.4 million for improvements to the suburb’s water treatment plant, $3.8 million for water meter replacements, $3 million for sanitary sewer lining and $3 million for city street resurfacing. All of the projects are drawn from a 10-year infrastructure replacement master plan but would be put on an accelerated schedule, according to Holleb.
— Robert Channick
LIBERTYVILLE
Village OKs deal for Dial-a-Ride bus
Libertyville trustees have voted to approve an agreement with the Pace Dial-a-Ride bus service program that will allow the service to continue this year.
The program provides transportation by appointment for senior citizens and disabled passengers at a reduced rate.
Pace also will offer a shuttle service that will make regular stops throughout Libertyville, including at Cook Memorial Library and the Libertyville Civic Center.
The agreement commits the village to paying up to $29,320 to subsidize the service, an increase of $5,252 from last year.
The rest of the program’s operating deficit — estimated at nearly $76,000 — will be subsidized by Pace, officials said.
— Kathryn Dill