South Central Reporter

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Christian County on September 26, 2024, by the South Central Reporter. The media organization is known for its commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

The request sought records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, specifically a list of all payments made to vendors from January 1, 2024, until September 26, 2024. The desired information includes vendor names, transaction dates, transaction descriptions, and amounts.

As members of the media at South Central Reporter, we are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. We believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.

Amy C. Calvert Winans Christian County Coroner | Christian County

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 $40 billion would be invested over six years into enhancing roads and bridges, modernizing transit and aviation systems, and expanding passenger rail service.

According to official sources from the Illinois Department of Transportation, ten major projects in Chicago are being planned or implemented under JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois program. These projects will receive an investment of $396 million with the aim of improving 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.

Under this ambitious program, Kane County is set to benefit from an investment of $107 million across seven projects while central Cook County will see an infusion of $220 million towards ten projects for the construction of roads and bridges.