Southern Illinois News

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Hardin County on September 26, 2024. The request, made by Southern Illinois News, sought records of all payments made to vendors from January 1, 2024, until the date of the request. The requested details include 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 Southern Illinois News believe that access to public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These responsibilities include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.

In related news, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced in July 2023 the most extensive multi-year program, Rebuild Illinois, aimed at improving and repairing all modes of transportation. Governor JB Pritzker stated that over the next six years, they plan to invest over $40 billion in improving all modes of transportation across Illinois. This investment includes better roads and bridges, modernized transit and aviation systems, and expanded and faster passenger rail service.

Todd Bittle Hardin County States Attorney | Hardin County

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois program is planning or implementing ten major projects in Chicago. The program is investing $396 million in these projects with an aim to improve 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 are projected for completion between 2025 through 2030.

The department also announced an investment of $107 million in seven projects slated for completion in Kane County under the Rebuild Illinois program. Additionally, central Cook County will see an investment of $220 million in ten projects for the construction of roads and bridges as part of the same program.