In the News

Pioneer Press, February 19, 2009

Eager Northbrook officials are requesting $24.5 million in pending federal stimulus funds, mostly for improvements in public works services.

In January, village managers requested $61 million in funded projects at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. However, the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act required most plans be started in 30 days, thus shortening Northbrook's list of "shovel ready" projects.

The village work can start in 90 to 180 days, whenever winter weather ends and the spring/summer construction begins, said Northbrook assistant village manager Philip Kiraly.

"Hopefully, the village receives its full allocation, but many people are looking for money in these hard economic times," Kiraly said.

"Certainly, the money will help relieve the local strain caused by the down-turned economy. Frankly, because (President Barack) Obama is from this area, we're hoping he can really help. He directly received our list of projects."

The following is Northbrook's request for federal stimulus spending:

• Revere Drive reconstruction and concrete pavement patching for other streets -- $4.3 million

• asphalt street rehab -- $6.4 million

• slope stabilization at lakefront water pumping station, east of Sheridan Road -- $145,000

• Dundee Road water main replacements from the water plant to Waukegan Road and Waukegan Road to Phingsten Road -- $9.5 million

• storm and sanitary sewer lining -- $1.2 million

• MacArthur Boulevard and Greenwood Road water lift station -- $337,000

• bike path and sidewalks program -- $555,000

• painting and replacing concrete floor of the east wing at Northbrook Public Works Department, 655 Huehl Road -- $340,000

• purchasing hybrid vehicles for administrative fleet -- $410,000

• roof replacement at water treatment plant, 750 Dundee Road -- $1.2 million

• traffic signals at Founders Drive and Techny Road -- $250,000

State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-29th, said the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Department of Transportation "will have heavy hands" in distributing federal money to villages.

"Most of this federal money will benefit communities in road and water related projects," she said.