THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2007
Frimark Will Lead Team To D.C. In Search Of Cash
By CRAIG ADAMS
Journal Reporter
Mayor Howard Frimark will lead a team on a trip to Washington, D.C., in October seeking federal money for several projects.
"We're following up on a list we've submitted over the last two years," he explained. He, Director of Economic Development Kim Uhlig, and City Manager Tim Schuenke plan the trip for Oct. 2-3.
The team hopes to meet with U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-9th) as well as U.S. senators Barack Obama and Dick Durbin.
"There are three key projects for which we're requesting funding," Frimark said. "Traffic preemption devices, a feasibility and planning study for a separated railroad crossing, and relief sewers."
The preemptive devices would cost an estimated $500,000, Frimark explained. The city has $150,000 to contribute to the project. "The devices allow an emergency vehicle to pass through the intersection in a much safer way," he said. They allow stoplights to change ahead of an emergency vehicle, stopping other traffic while allowing the vehicle to proceed. "They're good to prevent accident and to provide quicker response times for emergency vehicles," he said. Frimark would like to see the devices installed at 20 intersections in the city.
The second project is for an over or under-pass on Cumberland Avenue at the intersection with the Union Pacific railroad tracks. "The city really has only two north south crossings," Frimark said, referring to Dee Road and Greenwood Avenue. "They are heavily traveled and congested." A new crossing would relieve traffic at the other two and divert traffic around the central business district. "We need another way for our citizens to cross in a quick manner," Frimark said. The cost for the study is estimated at $500,000. "We're willing to match that with a $100,000 commitment," he added.
Finally, he wants to address the need for about $3 million of relief sewers throughout the community. "They will provide relief from basement and property flooding," Frimark explained. In heavy rains, like the storm on Aug. 23, sewerage and rainwater flood many properties within the city. "We have a commitment to have more relief sewers," he said.