On October 7, 2024, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Cook County by Chicago City Wire. The media organization is committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request seeks records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, specifically a list of FOIA logs sent to Cook County from January 1, 2024 till October 7, 2024. The requested fields include the requester's name and organization, the content and date of the request, the completion date of the request, and its current status.
As members of Chicago City Wire, we are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
In related news, The Illinois Department of Transportation announced in July 2023 an extensive multi-year program called Rebuild Illinois aimed at improving and repairing all modes of transportation. Governor JB Pritzker said that over $40 billion will be invested over six years into improving all modes of transportation across Illinois. This includes better roads and bridges, modernized transit and aviation systems, expanded passenger rail service.
Rebuild Illinois has planned or is implementing ten major projects in Chicago with an investment totaling $396 million. These projects aim at improving safety and mobility on Illinois's roads and bridges. Three out of these ten projects are scheduled for completion in 2024 while the remaining seven are projected for completion between 2025 through 2030.
Under this program, Kane County will see seven projects completed with an investment of $107 million. In central Cook County, Rebuild Illinois is investing $220 million in ten projects for the construction of roads and bridges.
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