December has been filled with events showcasing what can be accomplished through bipartisan effort and intergovernmental cooperation.
The Will County Sheriff’s operations have moved into the new Will County Public Safety Complex. The new facility was completed a month and a half early, thanks to the tremendous efforts of our local labor community and the project management team. This state of the art complex will house training facilities, and secure evidence storage, as well as provide more space for detectives and cyber crime units.
In addition to the Sheriff’s space, the Will County Public Safety Complex is home to a new 15000 square foot 911 center. The Will County Board agreed to add the dispatch center to the project after a state mandate dictated a 50% reduction in dispatch facilities by the end of 2017. The new Laraway Communications Center brings together 31 police and fire agencies including Eastcom, Lincolnway Communications, the village of Romeoville, and the Will County Sheriff’s Department.
Finally, on Tuesday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Will County Courthouse. The 365,000 square foot building will have 38 court rooms, and be home to the Will County Circuit Clerk, and the Will County States Attorney. Local leaders spoke of cooperation and determination being vital to this project becoming a reality.
“The decision of building this new facility wasn’t question of if, but how,” Will County Executive Larry Walsh said. “We needed to identify funding.” The Courthouse will be funded in part with a 10 million dollar commitment from the City of Joliet. The city also agreed to waive building permit fees. “This is a great day for Joliet,” Mayor Bob O’Dekirk said.
The ongoing capital improvements in Will County truly exemplify how government is supposed to work. “The progress that we are seeing today is the result of decades of planning by leaders of different governing bodies and from both sides of the aisle,” County Board Minority Whip Lauren Staley Ferry said. “I am thankful to have been part of the effort, and I congratulate everyone who has had a hand in bringing these much needed improvements to Will County.”