Increased sales tax gives Lake County money for road work
Lake County's annual update of its big-picture roadwork plan usually is more memorable for projects that aren't included.
That's not the case this year. Fueled by $29 million a year in new money -- more than double the annual budget -- popular projects like untangling the "Millburn Strangler" on Route 45 near Lindenhurst not only are funded, but also planned for construction.
In all, the division of transportation is proposing 48 projects worth $240 million over the next six years. The plan, which focuses on widening roads in problem areas, comes with a unique challenge to some communities for a piece of $50 million.
"It's the most bold one (plan) we have had because we have a doubling of resources to put into the effort," said Marty Buehler, the county's transportation chief.
The ability to pursue projects with such vigor and issue bonds down the line to leverage other money comes from an extra $29 million Lake County will receive each year from the quarter-percent increase in local sales tax. That money was authorized as part of a Regional Transportation Authority reform.
In a presentation Wednesday to the county's public works and transportation committee, Buehler outlined a wide-ranging plan with an emphasis on clearing perennial problem areas.
A key element is the willingness of the county to get started on projects under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation that the agency hasn't had the money to pursue.
"We have stepped up to address some critical state needs, but we're not replacing the state capital (plan)," Buehler said.
The county plans to issue $100 million in bonds in 2011 for construction of several large-scale improvements to be selected from a set list of candidates depending on their state of readiness.
These so-called challenge projects include routes 60, 60/83 and 45 from north of Route 176 in Ivanhoe to Milwaukee Avenue in Vernon Hills. Others include making Rollins Road an underpass beneath railroad tracks at Route 83, and widening Milwaukee Avenue from Route 137 to Route 120.
In those scenarios, communities would vie for millions in bond proceeds.
"Whoever shows up to IDOT with a construction agreement, that's how this game is going to be played," Buehler said.
"Our intent is to get things constructed. The only community we're aware of that has put money on the table from developers is Mundelein. We're structuring this so the money does not go away."
Besides spending $26.5 million on the Millburn Strangler, the county plans to widen Quentin Road from near Cuba Road to Route 22 in Kildeer within six years.
As always, the plan will include money for maintaining existing roads and modernizing systems. But expanding capacity on the roads, mainly by widening, is "obviously the key focus of this new program," Buehler said.