McHenry Times

FOIA Request to McHenry County Regarding FOIA Logs from January to October 2024 on October 7, 2024. The request was made by us at the McHenry Times, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, we requested records in electronic format for a list of FOIA logs sent to McHenry County from January 1, 2024 till October 7, 2024. The fields requested include the requester's name and organization, content of the request, date of the request and completion date, as well as the status of the FOIA.

As members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to these public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These responsibilities include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.

In other news, The Illinois Department of Transportation announced in July 2023 the most extensive multi-year program, Rebuild Illinois, aimed at improving and repairing all modes of transportation. Governor JB Pritzker stated that over $40 billion would be invested over six years into enhancing roads and bridges, modernizing transit and aviation systems, and expanding passenger rail service.

According to official sources, ten major projects are being planned or implemented in Chicago under this program with an investment totaling $396 million. These projects aim at improving safety and mobility on Illinois's roads and bridges. Three out of these ten projects are scheduled for completion in 2024 while seven others are projected for completion between 2025 through 2030.

Furthermore, under the Rebuild Illinois program, $107 million is being invested in seven projects in Kane County, and $220 million is being allocated for ten projects in central Cook County to construct roads and bridges.