Projects

I-80/BRISBIN ROAD INTERCHANGE SUMMARY

The Brisbin Road Interchange initiative began in earnest in October, 2000, although Grundy County had included the Interchange in its Land Use Plan for many years. Spurred by safety concerns and the increasing truck traffic on Ridge Road in Minooka, Route 6 in Channahon, and Route 47 in Morris, community leaders and private industry recognized the need for the proposed Brisbin Road Interchange which became one of the GEDC's main economic projects.

Located half-way between the Minooka I-80 interchange and the Morris I-80 interchange, the newly proposed interchange would create positive opportunities for economic development along with increased real estate taxes which are crucial as the communities continue to experience explosive residential growth in the region. Both Grundy and Kendall Counties consider the road an important north-south access to accommodate the growth occurring in both counties.

A Feasibility Study was completed by Parson’s Transportation in mid-2001. The Study, funded by Senator Patrick Welch, indicated a need for the interchange. Phase 1 Engineering, is 99% finished , which investigates the impact on the surrounding area. Resources that contributed to the Phase 1 Engineering included Grundy County, Channahon, Minooka, Senator Welch, Representative O’Brien and the local industries along U.S. Route 6.

The total project cost (Phase 1-3) was estimated at $13 million. In April of 2002, the Governor’s Five Year Transportation Plan was released and funds for Phase 2 Engineering and Land Acquisition were included. In July, Congressman Jerry Weller secured $4.8 million of federal funding for Phase 3 Engineering and Construction Costs in the Federal Transportation Bill for the I-80/Brisbin Road Interchange Project.

Grundy Renewable Fuels Initiative

In September 2006, Nova Energy announced that it will build a 60 million gallon biodiesel facility in Seneca, IL which lies partially in Grundy County. Since then, Grundy County has focused its efforts on attracting other renewable fuels projects that combine the heavy industrial and agricultural sectors. With several rural sites available, and major transportation amenities, such as river, rail and interstates, Grundy County has a competitive advantage for attracting renewable fuels projects, thus creating new jobs and investments for the County.

Click here to view an example of a typical ethanol operation.