On September 26, 2024, we at West Central Reporter submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Calhoun County in Illinois. The request was made for a list of all payments made to vendors from January 1, 2024, till the date of the request.
The specific details requested included the vendor name, transaction date, transaction description, and the amount paid. This information is crucial for us as it aids in our ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
Our work involves gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. As media professionals involved in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver.
In related news, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced in July 2023 the most extensive multi-year program called Rebuild Illinois. This program aims to improve and repair all modes of transportation across the state. Governor JB Pritzker stated that over $40 billion would be invested over six years into this program.
According to official sources, ten major projects are being planned or implemented in Chicago under this program with an investment of $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 the remaining seven will be completed between 2025 through 2030.
Furthermore, under Rebuild Illinois program, $107 million has been allocated for seven projects in Kane County while central Cook County will see an investment of $220 million for ten different projects aimed at constructing roads and bridges.
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