McHenry County seeking $4.6 million in federal aid

With an Illinoisan in the White House, a friendly face as a major figure in the U.S. Senate, established representatives looking out for its interests in Congress and billions in federal dollars floating about, things are looking up for McHenry County's annual wish list for the U.S. government.

At least that's what county officials are hoping.

The McHenry County Board on Tuesday unanimously approved its Federal Legislative Program for fiscal year 2010, a request for $4.6 million in assistance to fund roads, water and communications projects.

County Board Chairman Ken Koehler said there is no way of knowing how well the requests will be received in Washington, but he believes there may be reason for optimism.

"The president is from Illinois and he's been to McHenry County, Sen. (Dick) Durbin has been very good to us, (U.S. Reps.) Melissa Bean and Don Manzullo are friends to McHenry County," he said. "These are all good things for us."

The plan is a "to-do" list of sorts for The Ferguson Group, a Washington-based lobbying firm hired to serve the county's interests in the nation's capitol.

Among the funding the firm is charged with seeking out is $1.3 million to complete comprehensive watershed plans for the Upper Fox River and Lower Nippersink Creek watersheds, both damaged in recent flooding.

Other requests include $500,000 to perform water quality testing on 50 observation wells, $500,000 to widen Rakow Road between Route 31 and Ackman Road and $1.2 million to complete a plan to connect computer networks of various law enforcement agencies.

The county also is seeking federal support - though not necessarily dollars - for a commuter rail station in Huntley.