McHenry County sets priorities in seeking federal cash

Road, water and public safety projects will continue to take top billing on McHenry County's annual wish list for federal assistance under a plan presented Thursday to county board members.

The county's Federal Legislative Program for 2009 includes requests for $1 million to fund two road expansions, $1 million to upgrade computer systems for law enforcement and additional monies for ground water protection and studies of available water resources.

In all, the county is asking for more than $3 million through federal legislation.

"Everything we're asking for is a very legitimate need for a growing county like ours," county board Chairman Ken Koehler said. "McHenry County has been a donor county (to the federal government) for years, and we need to get some of these funds back."

Once formally approved by the county board, perhaps as soon as next week, the program goes into the hands of the county's Washington, D.C., lobbyist, the Ferguson Group, whose job it is to go find the money in federal legislation.

Last year the county, through the help of its lobbyist and local legislators, obtained about $1.8 million in federal funding, including $245,000 for the planned Algonquin Road extension west of Route 47, $540,000 for a law enforcement communications upgrade and $383,175 for job-training programs.

Highlights of the 2009 plan include a $500,000 request to help pay for widening Rakow Road between Ackman Road and Route 31, near Lake in the Hills' northern border, and a $1 million request to complete a computer system allowing law enforcement agencies, the state's attorney's office, the public defender's office and county probation to share information.

The county is in the final year of a three-year deal with the Ferguson Group to serve as its voice in the nation's capital. The county, which did not have a lobbyist previously, is paying the firm about $90,000 a year.

Koehler believes the county should continue to have people lobbying on its behalf in Washington beyond next year, whether it be through Ferguson or another firm.

"I'm satisfied with what they've done," he said.