Public works pact lends hand in disaster

In downstate Illinois, it's not uncommon for farmers to band together to harvest the crops of fellow farmers who for whatever reason are unable to do it themselves.

The same spirit of cooperation is being applied to public works agencies, but in a more formalized network as agencies in Lake County consider joining the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network.

"The whole notion is neighbor helping neighbor," said Rick Marley, interim president of the not-for-profit group incorporated in January. "The number-one thing we do is provide aid to each other."

So far about 12 entities, including Wauconda and Lake Zurich have signed on to the network, which is patterned after fire and police mutual aid groups that have existed for years.

"We're not inventing anything new," said Marley, the director of engineering and infrastructure for Decatur. "We're learning from their experiences and incorporating their principals."

The public works and transportation committee of the Lake County Board is scheduled to discuss it Wednesday.

Similar systems are in place in DuPage County, as well as among members of the Northwest Municipal Conference based in Des Plaines. While it is common for neighbors to lend a hand if they're able, this agreement provides for immediate access to an array of resources in the event of emergencies or disasters.

"This is one more tool all our communities can use to be prepared," said Kent McKenzie, Lake County emergency management coordinator.

The agreement provides a formalized response system and complies with federal guidelines for reimbursement - in essence, it provides legal authority for local units of government to contract with other governmental units.

That becomes important if help is needed on an extended basis. In 2006, Decatur received assistance from its neighbors to deal with a devastating ice storm but there was no formal agreement and no way to determine reimbursement, Marley said.

Assistance is provided for the first five days at no cost to the host agency, but it can bill for personnel, equipment and materials after that.

"It works out all the details ahead of time," Marley said. "The last thing you want to figure out (during an emergency situation) is who pays the workers, who buys the fuel."

No agency is obligated to respond, but those who do must stay for at least one day.