County earmarks Monsanto settlement funds for Superfund cleanup and economic redevelopment in Waukegan

Lake County commissioners on Sept. 9 approved a resolution accepting an internal estimate and placing Monsanto settlement funds in reserve for potential environmental cleanup or site-preparation work tied to economic-development opportunities on county Superfund properties.

The Finance and Administrative Committee discussed the measure and heard a presentation on possible uses. Deputy County Administrator and staff said the action does not immediately spend the money but earmarks funds so the county can respond quickly to a redevelopment opportunity. Committee members and staff specifically discussed the Johns Manville site in Waukegan as a likely candidate for cleanup and redevelopment.

County officials said earmarking settlement funds would let the county help address underlying site contamination and position Waukegan to attract private investment where remediation is necessary before redevelopment can occur. No specific project commitments or vendor agreements were authorized by the resolution; members said further steps and approvals would be required before spending occurs.