Cook Co. urges state leaders to release of forest preserve grants

Cook County leaders are calling on state officials to release about $4.5 million in state and federal grant money awarded to the Forest Preserves of Cook County that has been frozen indefinitely.

"The funds in question are approved and previously awarded grants to the preserves," Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a news release. "This money helps provide the FPCC the ability to care for and improve protected, open space which is vital to the quality of life of the residents of Cook County. I am dismayed that Gov. (Bruce) Rauner continues to prolong the release of these designated funds."

In addition to postponing restoration work, land acquisition and recreational development, the withholding of these funds threatens to waste investments already made by the preserves on the projects, county officials said.

"Cook County is home to some of the most diverse habitats in the state of Illinois, and the grants money will help protect the flora, fauna and wildlife," said 6th District Cook County Board Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy. "The preserves also contribute to the vitality of the region, attracting thousands of visitors who come to study, camp, play and enjoy our preserves every year."

A resolution urging the funds' release will be delivered to Rauner, Department of Natural Resources Director Wayne Rosenthal and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett.

In a response, Rauner's office said the General Assembly failed to appropriate funding to five of the projects in the preserve's resolution, which means the state has no authority to fund those projects at this time. One project is being funded because the governor signed the federal funds pass through bill, which released the money to the project, Rauner's office said.