Open Illinois.org

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently awarded a grant to the city of Chicago to help “with upgrading the lighting in the 34th Ward of Chicago, specifically on 115th Street from Vincennes Avenue to Lowe Avenue.” The award amount is $150,000 for the project. According to the DCEO website (search City of Chicago, Grant #10-203279), the grants are awarded to “specific local governments by members of the General Assembly and the Governor for specific purposes to bolster the State’s economy, promote a clean environment and improve the overall quality of life.”

It is unclear how new lighting bolsters the economy, promotes a clean environment, or improves the overall quality of life in the state. If the lighting of the 34th Ward was such priority, why did the city of Chicago decide not to upgrade them?

To find this information on our IllinoisOpenGov.org website, go to “Checks to Businesses & People” under the “Department” section search Commerce and Economic Opportunity, under the “Vendor” section search City of Chicago.