HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - R-07-014 - 08/13/2007 - SUPPORT MCHENRY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION FUNDINGRESOLUTION R07-014
MCHENRY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Whereas, the population in McHenry County has increased ten fold since the 1980's; and.,
Whereas, McHenry County is; undergoing some of the most substantial population growth in the
northern United States, greatly increasing pressure on local streets, roads, and highways; and,
Whereas, this population increase continues to tax the largely McHenry County built and maintained
transportation system; and,
Whereas, a bypass of the Algonquin intersection of Routes 31 and 62 has been studied multiple: times
since the 1980's due to the fact that these highways carry a large percentage of traffic in the region;
and,
Whereas, Illinois Route 31 is one of the most congested roads in Illinois, partly because it is required
to do double -duty as a street and as a highway; for example, Illinois Route 31 is also Main Street in
Algonquin; and,
Whereas, in 1998, the conclusion of a state -funded 18-month study of the pressing transportation
needs of southeastern McHenry county cited the Algonquin Western Bypass as of critical need; and,
Whereas, McHenry County, which includes the intersection of Routes 31 and 62, was recently cited
in U.S. News and World Report (May 8, 2007) as being the seventh most congested county in the
United States and the most congested in Illinois; and,
Whereas, current federal transportation law has set aside $10 million to build this bypass and widen
Illinois Route 31; and,
Whereas, thirty-eight million dollars were set aside by the State of Illinois to complete this project in
2000; and
Whereas, because of delays and increases of the scope of the project, the estimated cost for the
Western Bypass of Algonquin :is nearly $70 million; and,
Whereas, McHenry County has been the recipient of only 62 cents for every local dollar sent for
transportation to the State of Illinois; and
Whereas, McHenry County has other major transportation projects that have received federal
earmarks needing state matching funds or those federal funds may be lost, specifically the widening
of State Route 47 from I90 north to Woodstock, Rakow Road expansion and Route 31 widening
between Crystal Lake and Algonquin; and,
Whereas, the Western Bypass of Algonquin has recently been removed from IDOT's five-year plan,
thereby eliminating that funding source; and,
Whereas, the construction of this bypass and the other projects in McHenry County will enhance
McHenry County's transportation network by reducing congestion through efficient access to central
business districts, employment and commercial centers; and,
Whereas, this major transportation project is as critical to the State of Illinois as any other project in
the state.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of McHenry,
McHenry County, Illinois, and the additional communities executing this Resolution to request the
Governor of the State of Illinois:
1) Immediately restore the $38 million in funding for the Algonquin Western
Bypass and add the; necessary increases that have been incurred due to the years
of delay of the project to ensure construction and completion of improvements to
the Western Bypass.
2) Put McHenry County on an equal transportation funding footing with other
congested counties in northeastern Illinois.
3) Accelerate funding sources for other McHenry County projects, including Illinois
Route 31 widening, Route 47 widening, and Rakow Road improvements, to
bring McHenry County's transportation system in line with other northern
Illinois counties.
4) Include all eligible McHenry County roadways in the State's five-year and Long -
Range Capital Improvement Programs.
DATED this 13`s day of August, 2007.
SIGNATURES BY:
AP�� e.
PROVED:
yor, City of McHenry, Illinois
ATTEST:
City CVrk, Ci^Nof
C,
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Kathi Kunzer
From: Kathi Kunzer [kkunzer@ci.mchenry.il.us]
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 11:07 AM
To: 'sandietepsickPalgonquin.org'; 'Anna Bicanic Moeller'
Cc: 'Sue Low'; dmaxeiner@ci.mchenry.il.us
Subject: Resolution in support of McHenry County Transportation Funding
Attachments: Rt 31-62 Res.pdf
Importance: High
Sandie and Anna:
Please find attached resolution no. R07-014 which was passed and approved by McHenry City Council Iasi night. Said
resolution supports McHenry County Transportation funding. Hope this helps in your endeavor.
Kathi
Kathleen Kunzer, CIVIC RMC
Deputy City Clerk, City of McHenry
815.363.2107