The Will County Board announced that it has approved a “significant labor agreement” with local union contractors that officials say paves the way for timely, cost-effective construction of a new courthouse, sheriff’s office and health department building.
Three Rivers Construction Alliance is a labor-management cooperative made up of representative construction industry organizations in Will, Grundy, Kankakee and Iroquois counties, according to the alliance’s website.
“This agreement is another great milestone for our vital capital projects and represents a true spirit of cooperation and commitment between the board and local union labor,” said Ragan Freitag, R-Wilmington, chair of the county board’s capital improvements committee. “We are all working together to provide the residents of Will County modern, safe facilities that meet their needs and stand the test of time.”
Construction on the new sheriff’s office building is expected to begin within the next year, followed by the construction of a new courthouse in downtown Joliet with an anticipated completion date near the end of 2019. A satellite courthouse in a location to-be-determined in the northern part of the county is also planned, as well as a new health department building.
“Will County has some of the finest contractors and craftsman in the entire state, and we are pleased to partner with them in building a better county for generations to come,” Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis said. “We look forward to getting shovels in the ground soon.”
The current courthouse was built in 1969. County officials say its 23 courtrooms provide insufficient space and security, and do not meet the minimum standards for safety and security as set by the Illinois Supreme Court.
“Taxpayers want assurances that their money is spent and invested wisely on capital projects that are of the highest quality,” said Mike Fricilone, R-Homer Glen, chair of the county board’s finance committee. “The management of labor is a key component to reach this goal, and the Board has now taken the necessary steps to guarantee quality craftsmanship and professional contracting.”