20090526 PR - OB officials lobby IL State Leg. to ask for funding to widen 22nd. St.FAXED MAY 26200
Contact: David Niemeyer 1200 Oak Brook Drive
Phone: (630) 3613-5000 Oak Brook, IL 60523
Fax (630) 990-3000
Village of Oak Brook Officials Have Successful Visit to
Springfield
Oak Brook, Illinois (May 26, 2009,4:00 PM) —Several Village of Oak Brook officials met with
state legislative leaders and other state officials last Wednesday in Springfield to continue pressing for
funding and approvals for several important village projects. Trustees Stelios Aktipis, Elaine Zannis and
Mark Moy along with Village Manager David Niemeyer also watched the Illinois Senate approve a
capital bill that includes funds for the widening of 22nd Street in Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace.
Senator Cronin also recognized the attendance of the Oak Brook officials during the discussion of the
capital bill.
The next day the House also passed the capital Bill which includes the 22nd Street widening
project. It now awaits the Governors signature. The widening of 22nd Street will relieve traffic
congestion and foster economic revitalization.
Senator Dan Cronin and Representative Bob Biggins also pledged to work with village leaders as
the village seeks funding for other key infrastructure and public safety projects that have not been
funded because of the Village's current financial circumstances. The leadership of the Illinois
Department of Transportation also committed to assist the village in moving forward with the 22nd Street
widening project as well as other key IDOT/Oak Brook projects, such as a traffic signal in front of
Costco.
Village President, John W. Craig said that "immediately following the April 7 1 election and prior to
their formal installation, the newly elected trustees worked closely with me in planning the necessary
steps for dealing with the pressing problems facing the Village."
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In addition to engaging in an early exhaustive review of Village expenditures (in which the
remaining Board is also currently participating), the new trustees advocated the aggressive pursuit of
State funding for village improvements, including the widening and renovation of 22ntl Street. The
inclusion of major funding in the capital Bill passed by the Illinois Senate, is the culmination of intense
efforts engaged in by the contact with appropriate State Officials during the past several weeks.
In their meetings with state officials, village officials outlined the importance of Oak Brook as a
commercial and office hub in the Chicago area and the fact that village retail businesses contribute
more than $50 million per year in sales tax to the state. Village officials have also pledged to make
lobbying visits to Springfield on a regular basis as they try to raise awareness of the village's needs.
About the Village of Oak Brook:
Founded in 1958, the Village of Oak Brook is located 20 miles west of downtown Chicago and is in
proximity to the junction of Interstates 88, 294, and 290. The Village consists mostly of residential
subdivisions, with the exception of the Oak Brook Center shopping mall, other retail and office
properties along 22nd Street and Interstate 88. Oak Brook is the home of many corporate offices, most
notably, the world headquarters of McDonald's Corporation and the service club organization Lions
Clubs International.