Illinois Quick Hits: IDOT says all 102 counties to have transit

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Transportation says all 102 counties in Illinois will soon have transit service.

IDOT said on Monday that, starting July 1, Warren County Public Transportation will expand its coverage area by offering on-demand service to the more than 6,000 residents of Henderson County.

The announcement follows the General Assembly’s passage of $1.5 billion transit legislation last fall. The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act provides for sales tax hikes for Chicago-area counties and higher tolls on Illinois tollways.

ADM DECATUR MODERNIZATION ANNOUNCED

Fueled by state tax incentives, ADM has announced it will invest $103 million to modernize its Decatur headquarters and create 50 full-time jobs.

The modernization project will enhance soy crush and refining operations, improve production lines, and modernize storage elevators and corn milling capabilities.

The investment agreement includes Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax breaks.

SOYBEAN, SOLAR RIBBON-CUTTING HELD IN IROQUOIS COUNTY

Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax incentives are credited for bolstering Incobrasa Industries’ new $250 million soybean processing plant and solar array in Gilman.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker attended Monday’s ribbon-cutting and said the facility would be an enormous boost for the agriculture industry in Illinois.

A statement from the governor’s office said the completed project would create 40 full-time jobs.

STATE SUES CHEMICAL MANUFACTURER

The state of Illinois is suing a chemical manufacturer over alleged environmental and human health effects at a facility in Cicero.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s lawsuit says Koppers, Inc. and Koppers Carbon Materials LLC violated state and federal laws and regulations by failing to properly operate pollution control equipment and conduct required testing and monitoring, allowing an excess of air pollutants, including volatile organic materials, to be emitted into the atmosphere.