The first snowfall of the season is on track to arrive this evening. Cook County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is monitoring conditions and is ready to deploy all resources necessary to keep the 1,500 lane miles the County maintains, safe for drivers. 

DoTH advises drivers to take extra precautions when driving during storms – slow down and watch for snow plows. Also keep an emergency kit in each of your vehicles in case they break down or get stuck during severe weather. 

A basic safety kit should include the following items:

The Circuit Court and Cook County have finalized the scheduled closing of two Chicago branch court locations – 155 W. 51st St. and 2452 W. Belmont Ave.  – to take effect after court concludes on January 4, 2019. 

The two branch court closings, which were finalized as part of the budget litigation settlement between the county and the court, will help the county avoid $9.2 million in repairs, renovations and maintenance that would be necessary to keep the two buildings safe, operational and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

A new westbound entrance ramp onto the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) at Roselle Road opened to drivers yesterday. It is the final portion of the Roselle Road Interchange Project, designed to improve mobility and foster continued economic opportunity for the region. The new, full-access interchange now provides access at Roselle Road to westbound I-90 and from eastbound I-90. 

Cook County in Substantial Compliance of Hiring Practices, Ending Federal Oversight 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that Cook County has been found in compliance with the Shakman Consent Decree and will be released from federal oversight. 

At a hearing in U.S. District Court, Judge Sidney I. Schenkier granted the parties joint motion for substantial compliance and has agreed to dismiss the County from the Shakman v. The County of Cook, et al. litigation.

Public Urged to be Vigilant as Authorities Around U.S. Intercept Suspicious Packages

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced that the Justice Advisory Council will award $2.9 million in grants aimed at reducing violence and fostering restorative justice. 

Through the Justice Advisory Council, Cook County has distributed almost $18 million dollars to community partners in anti-violence, anti-recidivism and restorative justice grants. 

Plan Designed to Relieve Congestion and Spur Economic Development

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways presented the County’s Freight Plan at the Cook County Board Meeting today. Under the leadership of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the County is spearheading efforts to ensure the region remains North America’s freight capital, spurring the County’s economy and creating jobs. 

Cook County Commissioners today approved eight proposals from President Toni Preckwinkle’s Bureau of Economic Development (BED) that will provide tax incentives to businesses in Cook County.

The incentives, which will either create new or save existing jobs, were approved in the following communities: Elk Grove Village, Markham, Maywood, Melrose Park, Riverdale, and Wheeling. 

Balanced budget includes no new taxes, fines or fees 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today presented a proposed $5.92 billion Executive Operating Budget Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2019 that confronts the County’s financial challenges while avoiding new taxes, fines and fees.  

Project completion expected in 2025

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today joined public officials and private industry partners to mark the upcoming $474 million 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project, a linchpin in the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program that aims to eliminate a chokepoint at a critical South Side Chicago junction for freight and passenger trains.