Daily Herald
July 30, 2004
By Patrick Waldron
Daily Herald Staff Writer
The group against the proposed outer belt expressway is urging the state to halt pursuit of federal money for
the project until ongoing transportation studies have been completed.
Jan Strasma, chairman of Citizens Against the Sprawlway, sent a letter to Illinois Department of Transportation
Secretary Timothy Martin on Thursday requesting that he ask lawmakers to keep the Prairie Parkway out of a six-year
transportation bill working through Congress.
"IDOT has maintained they have an open mind," Strasma said. "We want them to put their money where
their mouth is."
As the project stands, the state is in the midst of a four- to six-year study of regional transportation needs.
That study is expected to determine weather a new expressway linking I-80 to I-88 is needed through Kane and Kendall
counties.
Opponents say the expressway, if built, would produce uncontrollable urban sprawl and destroy the rural character
of the region. Supporters, including U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, a Yorkville Republican, said it is a vital
transportation corridor needed to ease future gridlock.
The proposed legislation referenced by Strasma has been passed in separate versions by the House and the Senate.
It is now in a conference committee where the differences are being worked out.
Detailed funding for the Prairie Parkway is not included in either version, as Strasma notes in his letter, and
IDOT spokesman Matt Vanover said no such financing request has been made.
"We have not specifically sought any funds for the Prairie Parkway in the federal bill," he said.
Hastert spokesman Brad Hahn declined to comment specifically on Strasma's letter because it was not addressed
or copied to the speaker. He did repeat what state transportation officials said, noting how the outer belt is
not included in the current proposed legislation.