By Tia Carol Jones
Oak Forest, Ill. — The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways will award millions in 2019 Invest in Cook Multi-Modal Transportation Project funding for 98 projects throughout the County, and to support projects in the 6th District. Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (D-6th) said, “This infrastructure funding is vital to our economic development goals as well as spurring job opportunities in the 6th District and the Southland.”
The 6th District had 10 winning projects that were awarded funds for multi-modal transportation projects including transit, bicycle, pedestrian, freight, and roadway improvements. Municipalities awarded Invest in Cook funding within Miller’s district include , and Sauk Village.
Trustee Jada Curry of Lynwood stated, “The Village of Lynwood is very fortunate to be one of the recipients of this funding from the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. The money will be used to expand sidewalks near the library and fix roads that are in desperate need of repair. I’d like to thank Commissioner Miller for her advocacy on behalf of the Southland and our municipality so that we can continue to focus on turning Lynwood into a destination village for families and new businesses.”
“In order to ensure that Cook County remains a strong and vibrant transportation hub for the region and the entire nation, it is our duty to find creative ways to enhance our transportation infrastructure,” said John Yonan, Superintendent of the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. “Invest in Cook has succeeded in creating collaborative projects between municipalities and transportation entities resulting in stronger and more livable communities, benefiting both businesses and residents.”
“We are excited to start the renovations on our Metra Station, which is the second busiest on the Metra line,” said Mayor Richard Hofeld. “For too long our residents have had to deal with a station in need of a makeover. This funding award will make not only our current commuters happy but also be a welcoming site for visitors coming to take part in all the great things Homewood has to offer, from festivals to restaurants and shopping to the Homewood Science Center. We want to thank Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller and the Cook County Board for being responsive to our needs and making the funding available.”
“The investments being made in the South Suburbs aligns with the County’s Strategic Plan and is part of a concerted effort to bolster economic development and return the Southland to the status it so richly deserves,” stated Miller. Commissioner Miller added, “It’s important to me that the county is responsive to the infrastructure needs of the Southland. I will continue to work with the local elected officials to help meet their needs.”
This article originally appeared in the Chicago Defender.
