Rockford Sun

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Boone County on September 26, 2024. The request, submitted by the Rockford Sun, seeks a list of all payments made to vendors from January 1, 2024, through September 26, 2024. The requested information includes the vendor name, transaction date, transaction description, and amount.

As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at the Rockford Sun believe that 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. Given our role in disseminating information, we have requested a fee waiver as a media professional.

This request comes in light of recent developments regarding infrastructure projects in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced in July 2023 the most extensive multi-year program called Rebuild Illinois aimed at improving and repairing all modes of transportation. Governor JB Pritzker said, "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."

Justin D. Krohn Boone County Engineer | Boone County

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois program is planning or implementing ten major projects in Chicago with an investment of $396 million aimed at improving safety and mobility on Illinois's roads and bridges. Three of these projects are scheduled for completion in 2024 while the remaining seven are projected for completion between 2025 through 2030.

The Rebuild Illinois program also has plans for Kane County where it is investing $107 million in seven projects under its umbrella. Similarly, central Cook County will see an investment of $220 million in ten projects for the construction of roads and bridges. As we continue to monitor these developments, we believe that transparency in vendor payments is a crucial aspect of ensuring accountability and proper utilization of public funds.