EARLY PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT RESULTS IN OVER 1,000 PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE PRAIRIE PARKWAY CORRIDOR PROTECTION PROGRAM

Springfield, ILL. -- The Illinois Department of Transportation has received more than 1,000 questions and comments from the public regarding the Prairie Parkway Corridor Protection proposal.

IDOT requested public input on the project during a series of public informational meetings in Kane and Kendall Counties. The deadline for receiving the public comments was February 10, 2002.

The Ottawa district office will evaluate the nearly 1,000 questions and comments and will prepare a recommendation for Illinois Transportation Secretary Kirk Brown. He will release his findings in 45 to 60 days.

The Prairie Parkway Corridor Protection is advance planning for future transportation improvements along a 34 mile stretch from I-80 to I-88. No specific center line for a road has been established and no funding for construction has been identified.

The process the department is engaging in right now is part of the Illinois Department of Transportation's early public involvement program. The program gives citizens a first hand look at future transportation needs. The process also allows for public input as the department works with communities to address the transportation needs.

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