Hmmm...that's a legislator of some kind, ---Blago doesn't do earmarks.....could it be....we need more info on Walsh's "special projects" he's been involved in.
Could be unconnected but...
Obama Requested $1.3 Million For Will County’s Flood Studies Project. In 2006, Obama requested that Will County receive $1.3 million to support its Flood Studies for Unincorporated Will County. Will County is committed to a stormwater management program to protect lives and property of its residents, and is seeking federal assistance to aid them in this effort. Since Will County contains many creeks and streams whose watersheds have not been analyzed, the flood flows and base flood elevations for these unstudied creeks and streams are unknown. The absence of documented information has, at times, constrained development and adversely impacted the growth of the area's tax base as well as caused area residents to apply higher than necessary flood insurance premiums. Many Will County creeks and streams drain large watersheds. While individual sections of the creeks and streams have been analyzed to secure individual building permits, a comprehensive study of the watersheds would allow Will County to prepare watershed plans that are cohesive and complete, thereby improving the County's capacity to avoid unnecessary flooding, property damage, injuries, and potential loss of life. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]And...
Obama Requested $800,000 For Wireless Communications Technology For The Will County Sheriff’s Office. In 2006, Obama requested $800,000 for the Will County Sheriff’s Office Wireless Communications Technology Upgrades. The Will County Sheriff’s Office currently has 90 laptops that are installed into squad cars. These laptops are essential for day to day operations of the Sheriff’s Enforcement Division. Additionally, the laptops are essential for interoperability between state, local and federal agencies. The laptops allow for access to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and Secretary of State (SOS) Data. The laptops have access to the Will County 911 CAD system which allows for voiceless dispatching. Also available is mapping software which enables them to find the most efficient route to their destination. In November 2006, these laptops will cease operation due to technology upgrades. Without this upgrade at a cost of approximately $800,000, Will County Sheriff Department will lose their current form of operations, along with the efficiency that the laptops provide. In addition, the Sheriffs’ Department will be unable to work on future projects such as field based reporting, access to the Circuit Clerk’s Warrant System, and integration with the Jail Management System. There will also be loss of an ability to interface with the Chicago Police Department’s system I-Clear. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, 4/3/06]And...
Obama Requested $1, 953, 331 For Will County To Support Its Ridgewood Water And Sewage Project. In 2006, Obama requested $1,953,331 for Will County’s Ridgewood Water and Sewage Project. Ridgewood is located in northeast Joliet Township, in Will County, IL. The community has numerous under served residents and is plagued by inadequate drainage, sanitary sewers, portable water, and roadways. As a result, there have been a series of health hazards for Ridgewood's residents that are directly related to the sanitary sewer and portable water issues. Funding is needed to implement a 5-year program that will address both of these critical needs for County residents. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]And...
Obama Requested $1.95 Million For The Will County Health Department To Support Its Mentally Ill Substance Abuse Programs. In 2006, Obama requested that Will County Health Department receive $1.95 million to support its Mentally Ill Substance Abuser Programs. Will County is the second fastest growing county in Illinois, and one of the top five fastest growing counties in the United States. Due to this population growth and the displacement of individuals with special needs, there is a critical need to expand mental health and substance abuse services in the County, and there is a complete absence of Mentally Ill Substance Abuse Programs in the area. Funding for this program would provide supportive and case management services that are intended to assist and empower the client in obtaining and maintaining access and linkage to mental health and other resources needed to assist the client in living and functioning in the community. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education, 4/5/06]And this
Obama Requested $2 Million For Lewis University And Its Effort To Establish A Center For Academic And Community Learning. In 2005, Obama requested $2 million for the Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, to establish a Center for Academic and Community Learning, which is designed to address the significant educational needs of the less advantaged in the Will County region by providing academic assistance not only for students on campus but also for residents of the surrounding communities. To decentralize their academic programs, and make them available day and night, Lewis will use these funds to offer online tutoring, invest in training, software, and wireless technology to increase off-site access to these services. Additionally, funds will be invested towards assistive technology aimed at advancing educational opportunities for children with special needs, as well as a reading clinic for K-12, undergraduate and graduate students. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, 6/7/05]That was just 2006 requests.