Politics & Government
Lake Co. Referendum: Which Forest Preserves Will See Upgrades?
The Lake County Forest Preserves Board will vote early next year on which projects will be funded following the passage of the referendum.
LAKE COUNTY, IL — This past November, voters in Lake County OK'd a $155 million referendum, which will allow forest preserves officials to make improvements, acquire more land and complete trail connections.
But, how exactly will the funds will be used to make improvements at forest preserves in Lake County?
Of the $155 million in funds, $65 will be set said for land purchases and $90 million will go toward capital projects. Of the $90 million in project funding, $60 million will be used to complete trail connections and public access improvements and $30 million will be used for land restoration, said Kim Mikus, media and community relations specialist for the forest preserve district.
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But, it's a little too early to say how exactly the funds will be used and which, of a long list of projects, will be picked, she added.
"The proposed projects are located across Lake County and have been on the forest preserves unfunded list, sometimes for many years," Mikus said.
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In January, the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners will receive an overview of ongoing projects. In March, a prioritized project list is expected to be presented to the board.
The board will have the final say on what is approved, and is expected to vote on the list in March.
"With the referendum passing, our next step is to hit the ground running," said Alex Ty Kovach, executive director for the forest preserve. “It’s an exciting time, and we’re ready to get to work, ensuring Lake County remains a leader in environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation.”
Mikus said some possible "high priority projects" include:
- Restoration and improving public access at Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago
- Restoration and access improvements at Lake Marie Forest Preserve in Antioch
- Access improvements at the new southern section of Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest
- Completion of Phase I of a master plan at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda
The passage of the referendum will mean a higher property tax bill for Lake County residents.
The estimated annual increase on the tax bill for a Lake County resident, who has a home valued at $300,000, is about $33.
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