Resource committee backs letter to support county’s RS 2477 litigation, asks chair to sign

The Kane County Resource Development Committee on Feb. 18 voted to support continued county participation in RS 2477 litigation and authorized the committee chair to sign a letter of support.

Taylor, the staff presenter, laid out the county’s involvement in the long-running RS 2477 litigation and described the recent funding history, saying the county previously held a five-year legal contract “for $2,500,000 that would not exceed $500,000 per year” and that last year the legislature funded $500,000 for one year. Taylor told the committee, “We’re asking for $1,500,000 to cover 3 years.”

Taylor also explained that a program administered by PLIPCO has a portion identified for “access protection” and that PLIPCO intends to apply for OHB access-protection grant funds on behalf of the county. Taylor asked the committee for letters of support to accompany the application and said PLIPCO could draft the letters if the committee preferred.

Mike Noel moved for the committee to support the request and have Carrie Glover sign the letter as committee chair; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Noel, who spoke in favor during discussion, highlighted the county's long investment in the litigation and the legal precedents established over decades.

The committee’s vote was limited to providing a letter of support and authorization for the chair to sign; no new appropriation was made during the meeting. Taylor and staff will provide a draft letter and coordinate signatures, and PLIPCO will proceed with the described grant application assistance.

What’s next: staff will circulate a draft letter for the committee’s review and finalize signature arrangements; county staff and outside counsel will continue legislative outreach on funding.