Illinois Budget Includes Balefill Buyout Proposal

Springfield, Ill. — Legislators put $7 million in state money toward a buyout of the Bartlett balefill site owned by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC). The state previously had $15 million to offer SWANCC so that the agency wouldn't build on the land, but SWANCC says it has spent nearly $30 million finding a site for the balefill since receiving the permit more than 16 years ago. Also included in the budget is an offer to let SWANCC develop the outer portions of the land and earn nearly $9 million, bringing the total to $31 million. The budget now goes to Illinois Governor George Ryan's desk for approval.