Will County Government
Will County Board Approves Noise Standards for Solar Energy Project
The Will County Board approved a set of stringent noise regulations on Thursday to mitigate the impact of the proposed Will County Solar Energy Project. The decision, met with significant debate, represents a landmark attempt to balance renewable energy expansion with residential quality of life. Acciona Energy USA Global, LLC, the project’s developer, presented findings…
Read MorePublic Commentary Sparks Debate on Tax Fairness and Solar Projects
The November 21, 2024, Will County Board meeting drew impassioned public commentary, spotlighting concerns about property tax equity, controversial solar farm proposals, and the community’s expectations for board accountability. Among the most vocal was Julie Connor of Lockport Township, who challenged the County Board of Review over what she alleged were improper assessment reductions that…
Read MoreWill County Committee Explores Enhanced Transportation Program for Elderly and Disabled Residents
The Will County Ad Hoc Access Committee discussed Thursday a proposed resolution to enhance the county’s Will Ride program by potentially adding ride-share services like Uber and Lyft as backup transportation options when regular service isn’t available. The proposal, presented by Committee Chair Jim Butler, aims to address a critical issue facing elderly and disabled…
Read MoreWill County Advances Agricultural Support Measures Amid Airport Land Debate
The Will County Executive Committee approved two agriculture-focused resolutions Thursday, including one that proposes exploring local food production as an alternative to the long-planned South Suburban Airport project. The measures recognize agriculture’s importance to Will County, citing statistics showing 780 farms generating $234.7 million in annual sales, while also proposing new approaches to using state-owned…
Read MoreCounty Expands Protections for Major Road Corridor with Freeway Designation
The Will County Executive Committee voted Thursday to designate a two-mile stretch of Manhattan-Monee Road as a county freeway, adding new protections for the recently acquired roadway while sparking debate about future development impacts. The designation of County Highway 6 between Route 45 and Center Road as a freeway requires developers to dedicate 75 feet…
Read MoreWill County Takes Steps to Release Opioid Settlement Funds Amid Growing Crisis
The Will County Executive Committee approved a framework Thursday that will help release long-delayed opioid settlement funds to local organizations, as officials reported distributing over 13,000 doses of the overdose reversal drug Narcan in the first ten months of 2024. The committee’s action establishes a formal program aligned with national settlement guidelines, potentially ending months…
Read MoreWill County Health Officials Push for Expanded Vaccine Access, Narcan Distribution
Will County Health Department officials appeared before the Legislative Committee Thursday to advocate for expanding vaccine access and maintaining free distribution of overdose prevention tools. Assistant Executive Director Denise Bergen and other health department leaders requested support for expanding the Vaccine for Children program to include uninsured and underinsured adults. The department also seeks resources…
Read MoreIllinois Legislature Enters Veto Session with Focus on Energy Policy
The Will County Legislative Committee heard that Illinois’ veto session could see action on energy policy, particularly regarding battery storage, as the state considers codifying regulations that might be rolled back under a Trump administration. “If they fear that the federal government will roll back some energy regulations and they want to see those kept…
Read MoreFederal Changes Coming as Trump Returns to White House, Legislative Update Shows
During a federal legislative update to Will County’s Legislative Committee, lobbyist Katherine reported that President Trump’s return to the White House is already impacting Congressional priorities, including decisions about the federal budget and key legislation. Congress faces several critical decisions during the lame duck session, including: “With Republicans having flipped the House and taken the…
Read MoreAquifer Study Funding Approved Amid Discussion of Regional Water Concerns
The Finance Committee’s approval of $300,000 for aquifer research highlighted growing concerns about water sustainability across Will County, particularly in unincorporated areas relying on shallow aquifers. The study will involve multiple stakeholders, including: The Will County Environmental Network, which has advocated for the study since raising initial concerns that led to Joliet securing Lake Michigan…
Read More