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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you healthy and enjoying your summer. Although we've made tremendous progress in the county on COVID vaccinations, we're still heading into the final stretch to get more people the shots they need to beat the bug.
If you know of anyone who needs a shot, please urge them to get one for family and community. While we no longer have the fairgrounds open for vaccinations, there are plenty of places throughout the county where you can still get a shot. Those who get a vaccine may even qualify for Six Flags tickets and be entered in a state sweepstakes for cash prizes and scholarships.
Legislative Update
As summer shifted into full gear, we received a spate of good news from Springfield. The General Assembly passed a number of measures that will help our community. I was proud to be part of the team and chairing the board's Legislative Committee to garner the following:
· Rt. 120/83 railroad grade separation: This $30 million commitment was renewed this year as we await word on more funding from the federal government and the state Department of Transportation to move this project forward.
· Hainesville Road bike path: This $1 million re-allocation will allow us to build a path along the road from Shorewood to Washington.
· Haryan Farms/Highland Lake stormwater project: The legislature re-allocated $122 million for a variety of countywide stormwater management improvements, including this one.
· Extension for District Re-mapping: Because of delays in gathering U.S. Census data, we asked the state to give us more time to acquire complete population data, which will become available this fall. We will then create new district maps by the end of the year, which will likely include a district reflecting our growing Latinx community. That will also push the 2022 primary into June.
While we're still awaiting a big, game-changing package of environmental measures -- the General Assembly and governor are still considering them as this goes to press -- I hope to report on this clean energy bill in my next newsletter.
Forest Preserve News
One of the most important new laws coming out of Springfield was the creation of a task force to determine the future use of the Route 53 land corridor. A county board and forest preserve representative, along with many other community leaders, will be appointed to this board.
Our environmental community asked for this bill and I was happy to support it because the 1,000-plus acre right-of-way for the canceled highway would cut right through Grayslake and Hainesville. We'll have a year to come up with a plan for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of this environmentally sensitive area. Thanks to the many environmental groups that supported this legislation.
Overall, Forest Preserve use is up more than 50% from pre-pandemic levels. I'm happy to see so many neighbors out enjoying our trails, picnic areas, waterways and our new Independence Grove Beer Garden. Every time you step outside and explore a preserve, you have a unique opportunity to enhance your physical, mental and spiritual well being. Enjoy yourself while being safe. In nature, there is truth.
Some of the most beautiful places in Lake County are right in your backyard. The picture at right was the sunset last night at the Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve in Grayslake (my home preserve). I was proud to host a tour of the adjacent seed nursery, which produces more than 20,000 native seeds for every county preserve.
Restoration, preservation and education are happening in a big way at Rollins. Thanks to all who attended and our amazing staff. Oh, and if you want to support the Forest Preserves, please consider donating to our non-profit Preservation Foundation, so that we can do even more to save our planet. And thanks to all who support and enjoy our preserves!
As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you have an immediate need for social services, please call the United Way of Lake County 2-1-1 line. I'd be thrilled to speak to your community group.
Be well, be safe!
John
