Transportation

Drive down Randall Road lately? What used to take 10 minutes can push for upwards of 30 minutes due to increased congestion and what seems like never ending construction. As the county continues to grow, residents require broader roads and new bridges connecting the east and west sides of our county. But how do we pay for it?

Kane County currently employs a Road Impact Fee levied against new construction. Impact fees were authorized by the state of Illinois in order to charge those residents and businesses who necessitated the improvements to pay for the improvements or services that would otherwise not be needed. Statute states that the improvement, however, must be "specifically and uniquely attributable" to the new development. Congestion on Randall Road is hardly "specifically and uniquely attributable" to far west developments in Elgin and Gilberts. Call them fees, call them taxes, but these supposed non-taxes are now increasing the cost of construction in communities throughout Kane County, and costing tax payers dearly. It's unfair, and against the original purpose and intention of the statute.

In the mean time, Kane County has eliminated the Kane County Sheriff's truck enforcement division. These officers were once charged with patrolling our county roads, and fining those trucks who exceeded the weight restrictions for the asphalt. The increased weight damages the roads and accelerates the need to resurface and ultimately replace. Not only has the county lost the revenue from violators, it has also opened the door to more damage, pot holes and construction expenses.

Before Kane County asks its residents to foot the bill for more construction, we should do everything in our power to slow the rate of deterioration. Let's be smarter with the resources available to us, and put priorities before political favors.

As we continue to expand our communities west towards the DeKalb border, Kane County must begin to plan for a new north/south corridor to better serve businesses and communities. Rather than be reactionary, Kane County should be proactive in planning for the future to avoid many of the pitfalls we currently find oursleves facing.