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Pingree Grove board approves one‑year lobbying contract to press for Route 47 expansion
Summary
The village board approved a one‑year independent contractor agreement with lobbyist Joyce Narduli to advocate for Route 47 capacity improvements. Staff said the state funded a Phase 1 engineering study but Phase 2 is not currently in the five‑year capital plan; the contract is $3,000 per month and will be evaluated after a year.
The Pingree Grove Village Board voted to approve a one‑year independent contractor agreement with lobbyist Joyce Narduli to pursue state support for capacity improvements on Illinois Route 47.
Staff told trustees that the state has funded a Phase 1 engineering study (a feasibility assessment) but has not included Phase 2 (detailed engineering and right‑of‑way acquisition) in its current five‑year capital plan. That absence means the village will need advocacy to press for higher prioritization; staff said Narduli was recommended by contacts in the governor’s office and has prior experience working on Route 47 projects in nearby communities.
Board members asked about accountability and timing. Trustees were told the lobbyist would provide regular reports — staff said past engagements included weekly updates — and the village retains the right to terminate the contract if the firm fails to deliver. Trustees also discussed legislative calendars and the fact that the legislature is in session through May, while many executive‑branch offices operate year‑round.
On a motion and roll‑call vote, the board approved the contract; staff noted the arrangement is $3,000 per month and intended as a one‑year trial to assess results before committing longer term.
The board did not adopt any change to IDOT’s schedule; the contract is intended to help the village seek insertion of Phase 2 work into future capital plans.
