Title
Resolution supporting the recommendation of the Illinois Route 53 Land Expansion Alternative Use Task Force to transfer all of the state-owned land originally reserved for the Illinois Route 53 extension to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and develop a working group to determine the method of establishing of a State Park or State Trail or other open space for conservation purposes, and to identify funding options for maintenance and accessibility thereof.
Staff Summary
• The Illinois Route 53 Expansion Land Alternative Use Task Force was created in 2021 via House Joint Resolution 6 to study alternate uses for the properties reserved for the proposed extension of Illinois Route 53 in Lake County.
• Board Member John Wasik was appointed to the task force to represent Lake County, Board Member Marah Altenberg was a member of the task force representing the Stormwater Management Commission, and Board Member Jessica Vealitzek was a member of the task force representing the Lake County Forest Preserve.
• On Friday, December 16, 2022, the Illinois Route 53 Land Expansion Alternative Use Task Force recommended that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) transfer all of the state-owned land originally reserved for the Illinois Route 53 extension to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and that the Illinois General Assembly form a working group to determine the method of conserving the land as a State Park or State Trail.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Illinois Route 53 Land Expansion Alternative Use Task Force was created via Illinois House Joint Resolution 6 to study alternative uses for the properties reserved for the proposed extension of Illinois Route 53 in Lake County; and
WHEREAS, the Task Force recommended that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) transfer all of the state-owned land originally reserved for the Illinois Route 53 extension to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; and
WHEREAS, the Task Force also recommended that the Illinois General Assembly form a working group to study the method of establishment and funding options of conserving the land as a State Park or State Trail; and
WHEREAS, Lake County is committed to combating climate change and loss of greenspace and will support efforts where possible that conserve and support the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake County Board fully supports the recommendation provided to the Illinois General Assembly by the Illinois Route 53 Land Expansion Alternative Use Task Force that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) transfer all of the state-owned land originally reserved for the Illinois Route 53 extension to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Lake County Board also fully supports the recommendation that upon transfer of the properties, a working group be developed to determine the method of establishing of a State Park or State Trail or other open space for conservation purposes, and to identify funding options for maintenance and accessibility thereof.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois on March 14, 2023.