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Community Leaders Support Schneider Funding Requests

June 4, 2021

DEERFIELD, IL – Community leaders today expressed their support for the projects Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) submitted for funding with the Appropriations Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Requests to the Appropriations Committee can be found here. Requests for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee can be found here.

"These community projects represent programs that, should they be funded, will benefit wide areas and large numbers of people in the Tenth District. These projects would generate economic growth, improve access to mental health services, reduce flooding, and enhance community safety. As represented by the broad support from local leaders, funding any one of these projects would be a great lift for all of the Tenth District and reason to celebrate," said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).

Below are quotes from local leaders supporting projects Congressman Schneider has submitted for consideration:


Project Name: North Chicago Pace Bus Route Access at Lovell Federal Health Care Center

Requested Funding: $508,080.00

Project Description: The project would improve a high-traffic bus transit stop at Lovell Federal Health Care Center and Great Lakes Naval Station. The project installs new crosswalks, ADA compliant curbing, pavement striping, signal modifications, and a new bus shelter and pad. Safety and efficiency improvements would benefit patients and employees of the Federal Health Care Center, including veterans in need of care.

"The City of North Chicago, Lovell Healthcare Center and Pace have worked hard to develop a plan addressing this hazardous intersection and Pace bus stop. These improvements will provide both Lovell employees and veterans with updated ADA compliance, easier, and safer access and increase utilization of several Pace bus routes. This will translate to veterans arriving in a timely and safe manner for their various appointments and services consistently. I am grateful to Congressman Brad Schneider for supporting and submitting this project for federal funding and anxiously await its approval," said Linda Soto. Pace, Board of Directors representing Lake County.


Project Name: Zion 27th Street Resurfacing

Requested Funding: $920,320.00

Project Description: The project would resurface ten blocks of Zion's 27th street, a major thoroughfare connecting Lewis Avenue and Sheridan Road downtown near Veterans Memorial Park, Shiloh Elementary School, and Zion Central Middle School. The project would upgrade the public sidewalk, ADA ramps, and crosswalks.

"This project would enhance a major thoroughfare with the City of Zion and encourage foot traffic to the area of Veterans Memorial Park where city festivities are held throughout the year. The project will enhance the aesthetic, safety, and ecological value of the area. It will provide an improved residential and pedestrian link to Shiloh Park, Park Districts Senior Center, and Lake County Health Department. Additionally, it provides improved and safe walking access to Shiloh Elementary School and Zion Central Middle School," said Zion Mayor Billy McKinney.


Project Name: Patriot Bike Path, Stage 1 and Stage 4 funding

Requested Funding: $9,794,640.00

Project Description: The project would complete the 5.5 mile Patriot Bike Path, connecting the Des Plaines River Trail and the Robert McClory Bike Path, expanding transit options through the region. Commuting destinations include two Fortune 500 companies, the Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Naval Station Great Lakes, and the North Chicago Metra Station.

"The completion of the Patriot Path will provide Lake County residents with greatly expanded opportunities for alternate means of transportation and access to a wealth of natural and cultural resources including more transit stops, employment centers, shopping, schools, parks and forest preservers. This endeavor is also consistent with the District's 100-year vision of promoting a safe, active and healthy lifestyle for the residents of Lake County," said Alex Ty Kovach, the Executive Director of the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

"Completion of the Patriot Path will provide City of North Chicago residents greater connectivity to the rest of Lake County as well as attracting residents from surrounding communities. The Patriot Path project will provide greatly expanded opportunities for non-motorized transportation and access to a plethora of natural and cultural resources including more parks and forest preserves, schools, commercial entities, employment centers, and transit stops," said North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.

"Patriot Path has been discussed for years as an excellent opportunity to provide new recreational and commuting options for residents in central and east-central Lake County, but finding funding to advance the project has been a challenge," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "We are incredibly thankful for Congressman Schneider's support of this project that would give the community a way to safely walk and bike to the local forest preserves, parks, schools, stores, employment centers, and Metra station."

"The Patriot Path is a project people in the area have been talking about for over two decades. I'm very excited that this project will be on Congressman Schneider's community project funding list. The project will provide access to jobs, the train station, and recreational opportunities for thousands of Lake County residents. With connections to the North South DPR and McClory Trails, it will connect dozens of communities in Lake County. It will be an incredible addition to the more than 500 miles of bike trails/lanes currently in Lake County," said Lake County Board Member Ann Maine.


Project Name: Metra Zero Emissions Vehicle Pilot

Requested Funding: $6,000,000.00

Project Description: The project would fund pilot and expansion of zero emission Metra locomotives, through the construction of charging infrastructure, engineering of clean locomotives, and purchase of zero emission rolling stock. The pilot deployment would fight climate change, improve local air quality, and modernize Metra's fleet.

"Metra would be a strong partner in delivering projects that provide multi-modal connections, ensure affordable access to commuter rail travel, and encourage mode-shift to cleaner and greener forms of transportation. The project is scalable, and funding would move Metra towards a cleaner and greener future," said Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering.


Project Name: IL-21 Milwaukee Ave Improvements (Glenview)

Requested Funding: $2,000,000.00

Project Description: The project would improve a high-congestion, high-accident region of IL-21 by improving pavement reconstruction, intersection geometry improvements with dual left turn lanes, installation of ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities, traffic, and pedestrian signal replacement.

"The Village of Glenview and motorists traveling through Glenview's west side would benefit greatly from this project, which has been delayed at least 13 years and is vital to improve traffic flow in the region. Traffic back-ups are commonly a half mile to a mile from the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and West Lake Avenue during peak travel times. Both roadways carry high volumes of traffic and connect with retail, residential, commercial and recreational areas, so the planned improvements are critical for public safety and regional mobility," said Glenview Mayor Mike Jenny.


Project Name: Wolf Road Sidewalk (North)

Requested Funding: $1,126,734

Project Description: Funding for this project would be used to complete a pedestrian sidewalk to provide a safe pedestrian thoroughfare, in particular for nearby 6,000 residents of multifamily housing units. Currently the road has a drainage ditch running parallel to the roadway, forcing pedestrians to walk along the shoulder next to 40mph traffic. Adding a sidewalk would ensure the 2,200 households would have safe walking access to nearby public transportation, local businesses, and institutions like Harper College.

"The road was developed at a time when pedestrian connectivity was not considered and Metra service was not yet extended. The roadway has large drainage swales and pedestrians avoid the area, or walk within the roadway. As this area presently does not have sidewalks, and the right-of-way encompasses a large drainage ditch, this sidewalk extension will provide safety for pedestrians, connectivity to Harper College and neighboring apartment and condominium developments, neighborhood businesses, and the Pace bus stop. This proposed improvement will provide sidewalk connectivity to Harper College and Pace Route 221 to the less-advantaged east side neighborhood," said Prospect Heights Mayor Nicholas Helmer.

"Footpath accessibility is a material barrier to more local residents benefitting from Harper and community partner resources here on site. A Community Project Funding investment in this project will directly translate to access to training, to family supports, and to jobs. Many disadvantaged families start from a point of unreliable access to cars. Today, pedestrian access to and from LCC, the Pace Bus stop, and the surrounding community is made very difficult with the lack of sidewalk access in the area. We have seen parents walk with children, sometimes in strollers, along the narrowest strip of roadside so that the kids can get free on‐site babysitting (provided by the local school district) while Mom or Dad learns English or completes a GED. These free courses are the stepping stone to the next‐level career certificates we offer, ultimately allowing our community members to leave survival‐ wage jobs and see their families prosper," said Jennifer Brennan, Supervisor at Harper College Learning and Career Center.


Project Name: Zion Stormwater Project

Requested Funding: $720,435

Project Description: Funding for this project would go towards sediment removal in a flood detention basin to restore positive drainage, planting of native wetland vegetation, and streambank stabilization. This stormwater management and flood mitigation project would help alleviate ongoing flooding at a local Park District-operated senior center and a separate recreation center, as well as neighboring facilities such as a cancer treatment center. The project would also benefit water quality within the watershed through native wetland plantings to absorb high-precipitation events more naturally.

"This project continues the efforts of the Zion Park District to alleviate flooding and associated damage to the Senior Center caused by the rising pond waters. Currently, during large precipitation events, the pond overtops the Senior Center patio and floods the interior of the building, resulting in damages to the structure. These efforts will also help to improve water quality, reduce structural damage and provide natural resource and interjurisdictional benefits," said State Rep. Joyce Mason.


Project Name: College of Lake County Workforce Development Project

Requested Funding: $898,000

Project Description: Funding for this project would help close the county-wide skills gap by enabling the College of Lake County (CLC) to train and connect workers, including unemployed and underemployed individuals, with in-demand manufacturing jobs in the Tenth District. This funding would also provide local manufacturing businesses with a highly trained pool of local applicants, a pipeline to filling open positions, and a mechanism to train the local workforce in companies' most needed skills.

"The new College of Lake County Advanced Technology Center also is a concrete investment in this region's expansion of a talent pipeline that will directly support the growth of area manufacturers and this initiative. This critical workforce development plan addresses dire needs in Lake County, and I hope that federal support is provided which will in turn pay dividends through local economic development gains," said Dr. Andrew Warrington, the President of the United Conveyor Corporation and the Chair of the Lake County Workforce Development Board.

"The goals and outcomes associated with this proposal will strengthen the manufacturing talent pipeline and establish a Manufacturing Alliance to ensure that vibrant and engaged industry partnerships are established and grown across Lake County. The appropriation would greatly assist in providing the necessary federal investment to propel growth across this critical industry sector in Lake County where data shows there is a dire need," said Jennifer Serino, the Director of the Lake County Workforce Development Board.

"Lake County Partners enthusiastically supports the College of Lake County's request for funding under the federal Community Projects appropriation program. As a key member of the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem (known as the Ecosystem) and a key partner in the development of this request, I am confident that the initiative will increase the economic vitality of District 10 and all of Lake County by leveraging the resources of a coalition of partners and committing to a shared approach that will address workforce shortages and increase economic development," said Lake County Partners President Kevin Considine.


Project Name: Lake County Emergency Operations Center

Requested Funding: $26,250,000

Project Description: Funding for this project would go towards the construction of a consolidated Emergency Operations Center that would coordinate 911 operations for the county into one location, ensure redundancy of public safety operations, and could serve as a potential federal Continuity of Operations facility for Chicago-based federal agency personnel. The Libertyville facility would serve 600,000 residents in Lake County.

"This proposed funding would greatly benefit emergency management coordination and response across the State of Illinois for all hazards, including COVID-19, by providing access to modernize facilities, equipment and technology for local Emergency Operation Centers, as well as improve infrastructure to prevent flooding," said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

"We are proud to support and help lead this important initiative, which will save Lake County taxpayer dollars and save lives by improving emergency response," said Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg. "Collaborating with our municipal partners is critical when it comes to public safety and I am grateful for so many stakeholders working together to provide exceptional service to the Lake County community."


Project Name: Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Center Addition

Requested Funding: $997,361

Project Description: This project would double existing behavioral health services capacity at the Lake County Health Department Libertyville Mental Health Center by expanding the physical space housing primary care, psychiatry, and counseling for individuals with mental illness. The space would provide substance use counseling, Medication Assisted Treatment for substance use disorders, and counseling and case management to children and youth.

"With increasing numbers of suicides, overdoses and people in financial hardships, Lake County and my district would benefit from having more behavioral health services available in this area. The Community Mental Health Center located in Libertyville already provides much needed therapy, case management, primary care and psychiatric care to a vulnerable population, and adding physical capacity to the site would increase access to more services such as these," said Lake County Board Member Jennifer Clark.

"The addition would allow the Department to offer more crucially needed behavioral health services at this location. As a result, the region would greatly benefit from having more behavioral health services available to underserved populations including the uninsured and those on Medicaid, who often struggle to find adequate access to quality behavioral healthcare,"

said Ernest Vasseur, Executive Director of the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County.

"The county would greatly benefit from having more behavioral health services available to underserved populations including the uninsured and those on Medicaid, who often struggle to find adequate access to quality behavioral healthcare. As the only Level I Trauma Center in Lake County, we continue to see increasing numbers of patients with mental health and substance use disorders coming into our emergency room. The county and the Libertyville area would benefit from having more behavioral health services available for those community residents," said Matthew Primack, President of Advocate Condell Medical Center and Advocate Aurora Health.


Project Name: Dady Slough Flood Storage and Wetland Enhancement Project

Requested Funding: $3,000,000

Project Description: Funding for this project would go towards property acquisition, excavation for flood storage, restoration of wetlands, and construction of public access areas in and around Dady Slough Lake. This Lake County-sponsored flood mitigation project that would directly impact more than 800 households, local institutions like a high school, and a major state-owned thoroughfare. This is the County's highest priority flood mitigation project and would help two low-income communities as well as have significant downstream benefits.

"Flooding from heavy or prolonged rain events impacts transportation in and around the area, inundating homes, businesses, communication centers, and creates a financial hardship for economically disadvantaged residents. This project aims to acquire and excavate the land known as the Dady Slough to increase flood storage capacity, restore and enhance the adjacent low-quality wetlands, and construct public access areas for residents and students," said Park City Mayor Steve Pannell.

"Flood damages along the Chicago River were first recorded in 1675 and continue to this day. Urbanization of the watershed and the increasing rainfall trends have caused significant physical, economic, and emotional damage to the residents and businesses in Park City and Waukegan. Using nature-based solutions, the Dady Slough project will alleviate these damages and provide benefits for all communities in the watershed," said Kurt Woolford, Executive Director of Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.


Project Name: North Chicago Storm Sewer

Requested Funding: $7,796,558

Project Description: Funding for this project would go towards the construction of a 3,225 foot upsized sewer system, the removal and replacement of box culverts, replacing outlet control structures, and constructing a 40 acre-feet of compensatory flood storage. This high-priority stormwater management and flood mitigation project would support local, state, and federal assets, including housing for Great Lakes Naval Station, Illinois Route 41, and local homes and facilities. The project would also provide downstream benefit by increasing water storage capacity.

"In recent years, families living in the nearby Strawberry Condominiums have been forced out of their homes multiple times due to the impact of torrential rains that have fallen in Lake County and the City of North Chicago. Local businesses at this busy intersection have also been negatively impacted as the flooding has forced many to close for extended periods. This flood mitigation project will address widespread regional flooding, replaced aged undersized culverts, and clean out conveyance channels to enhance the conveyance of stormwater to the Skokie River," said North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.

"While the project is located in North Chicago, the flooding that will be addressed in the North Chicago Storm Sewer project will not only benefit the Great Lakes Naval Station, the city of North Chicago and many local homes and facilities, it will also benefit the entire region. Route 41, which is a major thoroughfare, is often impassable during flood events causing disruptions in residents' ability to travel to their homes, businesses and places of work. It will also reduce the effects of the municipalities downstream from the project. This is government at its best, a project that addresses the immediate area, but also benefits municipalities and residents outside of the area," said Donny Schmit, Chairman of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.


Project Name: Northern Illinois Food Bank – New Food Distribution Center

Requested Funding: $750,000

Project Description: Funding for this project would help the Northern Illinois Food Bank more than double the amount of space for a new food distribution center. The new facility would enable the Food Bank to increase their capacity for volunteer engagement, food processing and distribution, and safe cold, frozen and dry food storage, which will better serve the surrounding communities and help address hunger in the Tenth District.

"We share the organization's conviction that a larger, higher capacity center in Lake County will help bring forth their vision for everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive. The larger, higher capacity center would allow the Food Bank to store more food, provide constituents with greater access to the food they need, and create jobs in our community," said State Senator Adriane Johnson.

"North Chicago Community Partners and other food assistance member agencies in LAke County would benefit from the project as well. With an expansion, we would be able to pick up more food with additional options, use available space to host or attend trainings, and have a rapid turnaround for placing order and getting the resources in the hands of our families," said Kelly Gallego, Executive Program Director of North Chicago Community Partners.

"We are impressed by the Food Bank's dedication to their mission and ability over the past year to increase meal output significantly to serve the elevated need. We fully expect that they have the leadership capacity to accomplish this project...We understand their desire to evolve the Food Bank's work toward models that satisfy neighbors needs and wants during times of food insecurity. A larger, higher capacity center in Lake County will help bring forth their vision for everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive," said Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit.


Project Name: Park Street Closure and Enhancement Project

Requested Funding: $600,000

Project Description: Funding for this project will help the Village of Mundelein enhance the Park Street Closure, a multi-purpose and outdoor public space to connect residents and support local businesses. This project would promote economic development in an underserved and historically challenged downtown area while at the same time serving the community, including nearby low-income residents.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and all Mundelein residents, we are grateful that Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) has submitted Mundelein's Park Street Enhancement Project for funding consideration as part of his Community Project Funding Requests to the House Appropriations Committee. Revitalizing Mundelein's Downtown has been a decades-long initiative. We have taken many strategic steps to deindustrialize the downtown and create a residential environment where residents can live, and businesses thrive. The Park Street Enhancement Project is the next step in this process. We believe this new area, once complete, will be a community gathering spot that will increase residential density and in turn, attract additional economic development. We thank Congressman Schneider for this opportunity," said Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz.

"I think this is a wonderful idea to make this a permanent offering for our community each year. I have lived in Mundelein for almost 7 years now and when we think where to go out, our own community never pops into mind first. I would love to be able to go into the town to do local dining and have the kids have fun as well. I would like to see this Mundelein area turn into what downtown Libertyville has become over the last decade," said Mundelein resident Alicia Valestin.

"This would be a most advantageous plan, and a huge boon to the community, and the restaurants/ stores specifically located in this area. It would allow them to landscape and make additional aesthetic improvements to make this space more inviting and attractive to prospective customers. I expect it would also make for greater interest for the spaces still pending in the old Abernathy building, and make for a nicer location for the seasonal Farmers Market traffic. Our local businesses desperately need our support, and that of our local government. This would be a good assist for them," said Mundelein resident Wendy McMurray.


Waukegan Carnegie Library Revitalization Project

Requested Funding: $3,750,000

Project Description: Funding for this economic development project will revitalize an underserved community by providing new community and event space, offering cultural enrichment, and supporting nearby local businesses through rehabilitation of a central building in downtown Waukegan, the Carnegie Library. An independent analysis conducted by Visit Lake County assessed the overall local economic impact of the project to be $5.3 million in growth in the first five years.

"According to the Illinois Office of Tourism's (IOT) most recent study conducted by D.K. Shifflet, in 2018 cultural attractions, including museums and historical sites, account for 34% of leisure travel activities, the fourth top activity in destinations. IOT's research indicates that visitors to museums generate a $689 per travel party contributing substantially to the local economy. The estimated overall economic impact of the Carnegie Museum for the first five years is $5.3 million," said Maureen Riedy, President of Visit Lake County.

"This building has meant so much throughout the history of our great city. To see the historic structure active again, in a new and profound way would mean so much to our community. This building will be a large part of Waukegan becoming a destination city," said Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc Jones.

"Renovating the historic Carnegie Library into a history museum is such an exciting project but not without its challenges. Thank you Congressman Schneider for working with us on obtaining additional funding for this project. It couldn't be done without great partnerships, funding and supporters. On behalf of the Waukegan Park District, I would like to thank Congressman Schneider for all his support and efforts in helping see the Carnegie Museum Project to completion. The positive impact and economic impact of this project will be felt for generations to come in our community," said Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Parks Department.