Metro East Sun

FOIA Request to Madison County Regarding FOIA Logs from January to October 2024 on October 7, 2024. The request was made by Metro East Sun, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The requested records fall under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140.

The specific details of the request include a list of FOIA logs sent to Madison County from January 1, 2024, till October 7, 2024. The required fields for each log are the requester's name and organization, the content of the request, the date of the request and its completion date, and the status of the FOIA.

As representatives of Metro East Sun, we emphasize that access to public records is crucial for our professional responsibilities. These 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 called Rebuild Illinois. This initiative aims to improve and repair all modes of transportation across Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker stated that over $40 billion would be invested over six years into improving roads and bridges, modernizing transit and aviation systems, and expanding passenger rail service.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, ten major projects in Chicago are planned or being implemented under JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois program. These projects will see an investment of $396 million aimed at improving safety and mobility on Illinois's roads and bridges. Three projects are scheduled for completion in 2024 while seven others are projected for completion between 2025 through 2030.

Under the Rebuild Illinois program, seven projects in Kane County will see an investment of $107 million. Meanwhile, ten projects in central Cook County will receive $220 million for the construction of roads and bridges.