Largest Year of Construction Investment in Agency History Will Rebuild 160 Lane Miles, Repair 70 Bridges and Improve 20 Interchanges

SCHAUMBURG - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the Illinois Tollway will invest $1.4 billion in transportation improvements in 2014 - the largest one-year infrastructure investment in the agency's history. The investments will rebuild 160 lane miles of roads, repair 70 bridges and build or improve 20 interchanges while supporting up to 15,000 jobs. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and build a 21st century infrastructure that will drive Illinois' economy forward.

"This record transportation investment across the Illinois Tollway will reduce congestion and improve the quality of life for people throughout the region while supporting our businesses," Governor Quinn said. "This unparalleled investment in our roads will create jobs for thousands of hard-working men and women today and build a foundation for even more businesses and jobs for generations to come."

Today's announcement includes funding for the third year of the agency's 15-year, $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. In 2014, the $1.1 billion in Move Illinois projects include the completion of the first phase of the new interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and I-57; the continued rebuilding and widening of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as a state-of-the-art 21st century corridor; moving forward with construction of a new, all-electronic Elgin O'Hare Western Access; and funding planning studies for the Illinois Route 53/120 Project. In addition to these new improvements, the 2014 capital program includes $300 million in funding to address the needs of the existing Tollway system. 

"2014 will be our biggest year ever. We know that drivers may experience work zones along many parts of our system this year and ask our customers for their continued patience," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. "By the end of the year, our customers will have direct access from the Tri-State to I-57 and smooth, new pavement and another lane on the Jane Addams from Elgin to Rockford. They will also begin to see major work happening on the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project, the largest roadway construction project in the state."

"The hardworking men and women of the Illinois construction industry are eager and ready to get started on the Illinois Tollway's 2014 construction projects," said James P. Connolly, business manager of the Laborers' District Council of Chicago & Vicinity. "We appreciate the opportunity to help build the transportation infrastructure that keeps the Illinois economy moving."

"The Tollway's $12 billion Move Illinois Program is an economic engine for Northern Illinois and the I-90 Rebuilding and Widening Project alone is expected to create more than 11,000 jobs," James Sweeney, President of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, said. "The long-term benefits of these investments will continue to be realized for decades."

The Tollway's Move Illinois Program is the largest capital program in the agency's history and the largest of any toll road agency in the nation. As of February, more than $2.1 billion in construction and engineering contracts have been approved by the Tollway Board since the Move Illinois Program began in 2012.

The 2014 capital program includes:

$729.2 million for the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) corridor.

·         Completing the rebuilding and widening of the 37-mile western segment of I-90 between Elgin and I-39 in Rockford.

·         Beginning advance work including noisewall and retaining wall construction on the eastern segment of I-90 between Elgin and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to prepare for roadway rebuilding and widening.

·         Rebuilding westbound I-90 between I-294 and the Kennedy Expressway.

·         Improving or building interchanges at Business U.S. Route 20/State Street in Rockford, Irene Road and Genoa Road near Belvidere, Illinois Route 25 in Elgin, Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates, Roselle Road and Meacham Road in Schaumburg and Lee Street in Rosemont.

·         Rebuilding 11 local crossroad bridges along I-90 to accommodate the widening of the roadway, including Pearl Street, Town Hall Road, Johnson Road, Shattuck Road, County Line Road, Harmony-Riley Road, Harmony Road, Hennig Road, Tyrrell Road, Bartlett Road and Higgins Road.

$282.8 million to construct the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project.

·         Building new interchanges at Rohlwing Road and I-290 on Illinois Route 390 (Elgin O'Hare Expressway) and at Elmhurst Road on I-90.

·         Continuing new noisewall and advance work between Roselle Road and Meacham Road/Medinah Road along Illinois Route 390.

·         Rehabilitating and widening of Illinois Route 390 from Illinois Route 19 to Meacham Road/Medinah Road, as well as reconstruction and widening work from Meacham Road/Medinah Road to Illinois Route 53.

$85.7 million to complete the first phase of the new Tri-State Tollway (I-294)/I-57 Interchange in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

·         Building new ramps to carry traffic from southbound I-294 to southbound I-57 and from northbound I-57 to northbound I-294.

·         Building new ramps at 147th Street and I-294.

In addition, the Illinois Tollway is committed to additional investments that will keep the existing Tollway system in a state of good repair for years to come. Work in 2014 includes an additional $282.8 million for a variety of construction, design, inspection and other capital investments systemwide. Projects include :

·         Repairing pavement and bridges on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88).

·         Repairing Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294) ramps at 75th Street, Ogden Avenue, Roosevelt Road, I-290, Irving Park Road, Grand Avenue and at Illinois Route 120.

·         Repairing ramps and bridges on the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355).

·         Restoring parking lots at seven oases throughout the Illinois Tollway system.

Following the direction of Governor Quinn and the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors, the agency has stepped up efforts to expand opportunities for a larger and more diverse group of businesses to work on the Move Illinois Program including professional services, construction and goods and services. In fact, there are currently more than 500 businesses working on the Move Illinois Program, with more than one-third working with the Tollway for the first time.

Construction work is beginning this month at various locations on the Tollway system. Whenever possible, the Illinois Tollway works to keep as many lanes open in work zones as were available before construction by using shoulders, traffic shifts and crossover lanes. Lane closures may be required at times, to facilitate stage changes, accelerate work or for the safety of workers and drivers. The Tollway works to schedule these lane closures during non-peak travel times.

Work zone speed limits are in effect 24/7 in all construction zones, whether workers are present. Drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution at all times. Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375. Posted signs advise drivers of a $10,000 fine and 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker.

The Tollway is committed to "Building Green" and minimizing the environmental impact of construction by reducing, recycling and reusing materials. Recycled asphalt pavement aggregate, recycled concrete aggregate, along with supplemental cements such as fly ash and ground granulated slag from industrial waste are green materials that may be part of the concrete pavements. In addition, new asphalt used in projects will incorporate recycled materials including warm-mix asphalt, reclaimed asphalt pavement, ground tire rubber and recycled asphalt shingles. In addition to reducing the cost of this work, reuse of these materials reduces the need for virgin asphalt materials and reduces the volume of material that would otherwise be sent to landfills.

For more detailed information about Illinois Tollway construction projects, visit "Project By Roadway" in the Construction/Planning section on the Tollway's website illinoistollway.com.

James R. Thompson Center Exhibit Honors "The Father of the Americas"

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn was joined by several Consuls General and leaders of Illinois' Mexican-American community today to celebrate the 208th anniversary of Benito Juárez's birth. The Governor also proclaimed today as "Benito Juárez Day" across Illinois, calling him one of "humanity's giants."

"Benito Juárez transformed Mexico with his passion for freedom, his vision of democracy and his commitment to constitutional law," Governor Quinn said. "He was one of humanity's giants?as well as a strong ally of Abraham Lincoln?so today we celebrate his life."

The birthday party for the man known as "The Father of the Americas" took place at an exhibit in the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago which offers colorful insights into the Mexican leader's life. Viewed by thousands of visitors to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, the exhibit examines Juárez's life from his humble youth to his trailblazing Presidency. For more information on the life of Benito Juárez, visit www.Illinois.gov/benitojuarez.

The exhibit reveals how Juárez earned the title of "Father of the Americas." In May 1865 Colombia was the first Latin American government to formally salute Juárez, citing his "perseverance in defending the freedom and independence of Mexico." Two years later, the Dominican Republic President coined the phrase "Father of the Americas," saying Juárez set an example by winning "a splendid victory by giving a death blow to the empire."

Governor Quinn was joined by Dominican Republic Consul General Giselle Castillo Veremis, Colombia Consul General Bladimiro Cuello and Mexico Consul General Carlos Martín Jiménez Macías.

"Juárez's vision, heart and skill earned the respect of freedom-loving people everywhere, from Colombia and the Dominican Republic to New Orleans and Springfield, Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "And this year we're celebrating 150 years of friendship between the People of Illinois and People of Mexico, a relationship that grew from Juárez's friendship with Abraham Lincoln."

Lincoln and Juárez are often compared. Both came from humble origins, were self-taught lawyers, served in Congress and led their countries through war. In 1861, Juárez sent a young emissary named Matías Romero to Springfield to meet President-elect Lincoln, who, as a first-term Congressman, had endeared himself to many in Mexico for opposing President James K. Polk's invasion of Mexico in 1846.

That historic meeting between Romero and Lincoln?the first official congratulations to Lincoln by a foreign leader?was reenacted on stage recently at the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Governor Quinn was joined at that performance by Mexico Consul General Jiménez and State of Mexico Governor Eruviel Ávila. The three men also laid a wreath at the bronze statue of Juárez in the Plaza of the Americas on Chicago's busy Magnificent Mile and attended a concert by the Mexico City Symphony at Chicago's Benito Juárez Community Academy.

Today is the last day of the free exhibit in the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Urban Classic Home - Becky Curtis, owner. Unique home décor, artwork, lamps, furniture and accessories. Interior design services. 124 N. Cody Rd., LeClaire. 563-289-1221.

Interiors by the Sewing Room - Window treatments, bedding, pillows for designers and residential clients in the QC for over 30 years. Residential interior design services. Style, quality and value. 818 15^th Ave, Moline, IL. 309-755-0045

El Rio Wellness Retreat -Featuring yoga and pilates studio, spa café, spa treatment rooms, Riverflow exercise pool, meditation garden and retail yoga supplies.  www.elriowellnessretreat.com 1000 Stagecoach Rd., LeClaire. 563-289-1334.

CALENDAR

March 22^nd - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Active Christians - Bingo Fun and fellowship for all ages. 6:30p.m. Welcome to bring wrapped $1-2 item or white elephant item for Bingo prizes. Bring friends and snack to share!

March 24^th - 29^th - Bier Stube Week-long Anniversary Celebration! Daily food, drink specials, raffles! Friday March 28^th - Old 57's band, 9pm-1am. Saturday March 29th- Karaoke, 9pm-1am. We want to thank Leclaire for 5 amazing years! Please join us for this celebration! We will continue to have karaoke every Friday 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Docks ready to go by mid-April!

Mar 28^th - Masonic Center LeClaire - Dinner 6:30 - 7p.m. Menu tbd

Save the Date

Beginning April 1st - Interiors by the Sewing Room "Celebration of Light Savings Event" offering a Rebate promotion on select Hunter Douglas shades. Give your windows a fresh look and save some money along the way. Call 309-755-0045, or stop in for details!

April 1^st - 12^th - Expressions In Threads Celebrates Expansion and 10th Anniversary Grand Reopening! Special Sales all days. Saturday April 5^th - Janome Sewing Machine educator will demonstrate the Janome 15000 embroidery machine.

April 2^nd - Celebration Belle Begins 2014 Cruising Season April 2nd - October 31st.  Make reservations online at www.celebrationbelle.com or call 1-800-297-0034

April 4th - Frist Friday 5-8p.m.

April 4th-5th - Girls Getaway Weekend 2014! Dinner and Fashion Show at Steventon's. The mid-west's funniest standup comic, Bobby Ray Bunch. Top Chef Winner, Robert Day cooking class. Carissa Evens hosts a Beauty Boot Camp by BC Mobile Spas. Prize Drawing every hour 11am to 4pm.  Wine tastings at the Wide River Winery and Grasshoppers. Free tour at the Mississippi Distilling Company. Wine & Murder Mystery Game. Goodie bag and more! $45 per person. Sign up: www.Leclairegirlsgetaway2014.com

April 12th - LeClaire Civic Club Annual Swiss Steak Dinner LeClaire Civic Center 4:30-7pm.  Adults $8.00/Child $5.00 (under 10).  Tickets available from members, or at the door!

April 19^th - Trivia Night in LeClaire benefits Buffalo Bill Museum. Doors open 6:30pm; game starts 7pm. $10 per person.  Bring your own, or purchase refreshments.  Brisket dinner also available for purchase. See www.LeClaireCivicClub.org for details and to register!

April 20th - Easter Sunday - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Two worship times, 8 and 10a.m. Free Easter Breakfast at 9a.m.

April 20th - Faithful Pilot - Easter Brunch 2 seatings, 10:00 & 12:30 - 3 course brunch for $30.00.  No coupons, or gift certificates valid.

FYI

From Riverbend Signworks: There isn't a lot of new stuff at the cinema, so we're going to "fill the gap"!  The "bloopers" reel from our recent video is now on-line.  It's not "viral", but it might make you feel funny.  http://riverbendsignworks.com/2014/03/18/riverbend-signworks-of-the-quad-cities-bloopers-video/

Ascentra Credit Union was recently honored with six Diamond Awards for marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. Awards were presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council at the annual conference, March 12-15, Orlando, Fla. Ascentra received top honors in the following categories: Brand Awareness, Community/Public Relations One-Time Event, Television advertising, Community/PR-Ongoing Event: Steppin' Up Program and Pay it Forward partnership with WQAD News 8, Point of Sale Display and Retail Merchandising: ZIP - My Online Services campaign, and Complete Campaign:10 & Done! Mortgage Freedom Loan campaign.

Dwellings Now open at New Location 414 N. Cody Rd.

August 10^th - LeClaire Community Night, Modern Woodman Ball Park. Game time 5:00pm, River Bandits/Beloit Snappers. Mayor Bob Scannell will throw first pitch! A night to celebrate businesses and folks of Leclaire. Awards or special on-field recognition can be done followed by short video on mega-tron highlighting special places and faces in LeClaire filmed the week before. Businesses or groups interested in participating may contact Amanda Henzen, Account Executive and Director of Merchandise 563.333.2729 amandah@riverbandits.com

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Space Available for Rent - 118 N. Cody Rd. Call 563-289-2525.

Commercial Property Available - 1295 and 1297 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Commercial Space for Rent - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only. Lease with option to purchase.

Home for Rent - Single family home on the River - two bed, two bath (could be three bed, two bath). Newly remodeled throughout, new appliances. 2 car attached garage. 1405 Canal Shore Dr. $1300 month - Dock access is negotiable. Call 563-529-1346.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

60" Flatscreen TV at Civic Club is available with hall rentals! Enjoy football parties, family videos, and network television during your event! Perfect for graduation parties! Visit www.leclairecivicclub.org to book!

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

April 4-5 - Girls Getaway Weekend

April 25 - Masonic Center LeClaire-Taco Bar 6:30-7:30 proceeds to BSA Venture Crew 212

May 2-3 - French Market Days

May 3-4 - LeClaire Community Library Book Sale

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

June 6-7 - City Wide Garage Sales

August - Tug Fest

October 12- Apple Fest

October - Witch's Walk

December - Christmas in LeClaire