McLean County Times

On October 7, 2024, we at McLean County Times submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Livingston County. Our aim is to access public records that will aid in our comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

Specifically, we requested a list of FOIA logs sent to Livingston County from January 1, 2024, until October 7, 2024. The requested fields include the requester's name and organization, the content and date of the request, the date when the request was completed, and the status of the FOIA.

As journalists committed to transparency and accountability in public institutions, access to these records is crucial for us. We believe that as media professionals involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we are eligible for a fee waiver.

In related news, The Illinois Department of Transportation announced in July 2023 an extensive multi-year program named Rebuild Illinois. This initiative aims to improve and repair all modes of transportation across the state. "Over the next six years, we're investing over $40 billion to improve all modes of transportation across our great state. That means better roads and bridges, modernized transit and aviation, and expanded and faster passenger rail service," said Governor JB Pritzker.

According to reports from the Illinois Department of Transportation, ten major projects are being planned or implemented in Chicago under this program with an investment of $396 million. Three projects are scheduled for completion in 2024 while seven others will be completed between 2025 through 2030. Furthermore, Kane County is set to benefit from seven projects worth $107 million under this program. In central Cook County too, Rebuild Illinois is investing $220 million in ten projects focused on constructing roads and bridges.