West Central Reporter

On September 26, 2024, we at West Central Reporter sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Pike County. The request sought comprehensive details about all payments made to vendors from the start of the year till the date of the request.

The requested information included the vendor's name, transaction date, description of the transaction, and the amount paid. This detailed data is crucial for us as it aids in our ongoing commitment to provide comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

As part of our responsibility as a media organization, we aim to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to the public. Access to such public records is essential for us to fulfill these professional responsibilities.

Cindy A. Shaw Supervisor of Assessments | Official Website

In relation to this request, it's worth noting that in July 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Rebuild Illinois - an extensive multi-year program 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, and expanding faster passenger rail service.

Rebuild Illinois has planned or is implementing ten major projects in Chicago alone with an investment of $396 million aimed at improving safety and mobility on Illinois's roads and bridges. Three out of these ten projects are scheduled for completion in 2024.

Additionally, seven projects worth $107 million are slated for completion in Kane County under this program. In central Cook County, Rebuild Illinois is investing $220 million in ten projects primarily focused on road and bridge construction.

We believe that access to vendor payment records will help shed light on how these funds are being utilized across different counties and contribute towards increased transparency in public spending.