HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - R-09-002 - 02/16/2009 - SUPPORT PROPOSED EXTENSION OF IL-53Resolution
R409-002
WHEREAS, nearly two thirds of the employed citizens of McHenry County commute outside of
the county to work, and
WHEREAS, the average commuting time of the citizens of McHenry County is one of the highest
in the United States, comparing with that in suburban New York City and suburban Washington, D.C.,
and
WHEREAS, the extension of IL-53 north from Lake -Cook road to a corridor south of Grayslake,
with an east -west leg connecting to 1-94 and terminating to the west near US-12 and IL-120 has been
studied repeatedly, and consistently found to provide the most congestion relief of possible alternatives,
most recently in the Lake County Transportation Improvement Project, and
WHEREAS, the construction of the described extension of IL-53 would benefit all of the citizens
of McHenry County, directly helping the commuters in the northeast part of the County; indirectly
helping those in the southeast portion by redirecting traffic that presently congests their routes, and
helping all citizens by moving traffic more efficiently, reducing the stress on McHenry County roads and
decreasing air pollution by increasing the speed at which through traffic transits McHenry County, and
WHEREAS, McHenry County is the largest county in terms of population without direct access to
the Interstate highway system, and nearly four times as large as the next largest in Illinois, and
WHEREAS, the City of McHenry supports major transportation improvements of regional and
super -regional significance, and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board has scheduled an advisory referendum within Lake County to
express support or opposition to the IL-53 extension on April 7, 2009,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of McHenry by adopting this Resolution
expresses its support for the proposed extension of IL-53, and declares that such extension will benefit
the citizens of McHenry County and those persons who commute through McHenry County into Lake
County, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT it would be in the best interest of McHenry County if planning
were commenced immediately to extend that improvement into McHenry County, avoiding the
environmentally sensitive and vital natural areas of Volo Bog and the Carries within Glacial Park, but
proceeding across the Fox River between McHenry and Johnsburg on right of way already in public
hands, and proceeding along the current route of IL-31 north to the proposed western bypass of
Richmond, and
FURTHER, THAT construction of this extension into and through McHenry County as promptly as
feasible would be of great benefit both to quality of life and the economy of McHenry County, and
FINALLY, THAT a true and correct copy of this resolution be transmitted to the McHenry and
Lake County, IL County Boards, Lake County Dept of Transportation, Lake County Partners, IDOT, ILTHA,
FHWA, the City website, and the press.
Passed and Approved this 16`h day of February, 2009.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None
Not Voting: None
Abstaining: None
Absent: None
Signed:
Mayor
ATTEST:, --
city Clerl
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