Will County Executive Walsh Delivers 2016 State of the County address

Highlights capital plans, road and technology improvements

Will County Executive Walsh Delivers 2016 State of the County address

Highlights capital plans, road and technology improvements

     Today, Will County Executive Larry Walsh delivered his 11^th annual State of County address during the monthly County Board meeting. In his remarks, Walsh credited the continued success of the county to working together towards common goals.

     “We continue to see numerous positive attributes that we can be proud of throughout all our local communities,” Walsh said. “When we work together, we can achieve great things.”

     One continued success is the stability of the county’s cash reserve policy which was established in 2008. Through a collaborative, the county board and the executive’s office created a policy for maintaining 22 to 26 percent of the annual corporate budget in a cash reserve fund.

     “We maintained this cash reserve balance by controlling expenses and a fiscally conservative approach in budgeting,” added Walsh. “This successful effort will help Will County keep our borrowing costs down as we move forward on larger capital projects.”

     Walsh gave a historical account of the county’s capital improvement plan beginning with the initial studies in 2009 to 2010. These plans set the stage for long term projects such as a new county courthouse and law enforcement complex.

     “Each of the chairs of the Capital Improvement Committee and the many county board members, played an important role,” he said. “I want to thank all of you who have done this work to continue to build the Will County of tomorrow.”

     Other improvements include 17 key transportation projects and large advances in the county’s IT department. Walsh said the county remains committed to providing safe, accessibleroadways and continuing strategic investments to keep county government at the forefront of technology.

     Walsh also announced the county will begin the county’s most comprehensive freight mobility study. He said the study will focus on options to enhance the transportation and safety of freight movement across the county. He also said the study will prepare the county to seek federal funds to assist with transportation challenges.

     “We have grown from a rural farming community to a significant player on the global marketplace,” Walsh said. “We have many positive stories that reflect the viable, fiscally responsible, economic attractiveness of Will County. We continue to move forward and maintain our position in the global marketplace while ensuring Will County remains the best place to live, work, have a business, and raise a family.