SJ0076 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0076 LRB097 21631 HEP 69916 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (Authority) has been asked to consider a northern extension of IL Route 53 through central Lake County since the early 1960s; the Authority created a Blue Ribbon Advisory Council to develop a consensus as to whether the Tollway should build the road, and if so, to guide the planning and potential building of an IL-53 and IL-120 North Extension; and

WHEREAS, As noted in the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) comprehensive regional plan, entitled GO TO 2040, an extension of Illinois Route 53 could ease congestion that has resulted from Lake County's rapid development in recent decades; the project could improve access and mobility in the county and in the region as a whole; GO TO 2040 calls for a 21st Century urban highway - a "modern boulevard" - with a smaller footprint to minimize potential negative impacts while protecting the natural environment and preserving the character of nearby communities; and

WHEREAS, This roadway is intended to serve central Lake County extending north from the terminus of IL-53 and Lake Cook Road for 12.5 miles to just south of IL-120; the extension would continue to the east, where it would tie into an existing interchange at US-41; the road would continue to the west and terminate at U.S. 12; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 70% of the needed right of way is currently owned by the State; however, the size, configuration, and operation of the roadway have not been determined; the extension must coexist with dense existing residential development and projected commercial development, as well as wetlands, organic farms, and environmental resources throughout the corridor; and

WHEREAS, An extension of IL-53 and IL-120 provides an opportunity for the Authority to explore options for an entirely new roadway concept; the Advisory Council will be responsible for developing regional consensus on whether the Authority should move forward, the scope and configuration, the design and elements, and how to finance the project; the Council will focus on corridor design, storm water management, integration of transit, use of congestion pricing to manage demand, visual and noise impacts, and limited access for commercial vehicles; the Council includes public officials as well as representatives from business, labor, planning, and environmental groups; and

WHEREAS, The Authority has estimated the roadway cost for an extension of IL-53 and IL-120 at approximately $2.2 billion in 2010 dollars; however, this previous estimate assumed a 6-8 lane freeway facility, and did not include transit elements; and

WHEREAS, CMAP will be closely involved with the Blue Ribbon Advisory Council, serving as a partner with the Toll Highway Authority; CMAP will provide traffic projections and oversight, land use and environmental data and resources, and staff to offer perspectives for the Council's consideration; and

WHEREAS, A number of agencies have been involved in planning for improvements in the central Lake County corridor, with some planning efforts dating back to the 1970s; more recent studies have made specific recommendations regarding the size and basic design of the roadway; those results will provide a foundation of information as the Council considers options for design, land use, funding, and financing; and

WHEREAS, The report entitled "Illinois Route 53/120 Project: Blue Ribbon Advisory Council Draft Resolution and Report" represents our view as to the necessity of building a 21st century road in Lake County to serve the needs of residents and businesses; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we adopt the principles and conclusions agreed to by the Advisory Council in its report entitled "Illinois Route 53/120 Project: Blue Ribbon Advisory Council Draft Resolution and Report", and we approve and support the construction of a road in the Route 53/120 corridor, conditioned upon the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority adhering to the design principles, alignments, and environmental commitments outlined in the report; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we request that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, in cooperation with federal, State, and local governments, continue to search for financing mechanisms that are consistent with those described in the report; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Board of Directors and staff for creating the Advisory Council and supporting its work, and we encourage the Board to provide full consideration and quick action to implement the steps outlined in the report; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we request that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority routinely report to the Advisory Council on its progress in realizing the recommended project, and to use the advice of the Advisory Council as it proceeds; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be provided to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Board of Directors.