EWS

. . . from the Illinois House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION

July 15, 2008 State Rep. FredCrespo

Phone:

(630) 372-3340

Crespo Introduces Legislation Providing LocalGovernments New Source of Revenue

Local lawmaker looking for innovative funding solutions

HOFFMAN ESTATES

– As part of his effort to find new solutions to generating revenue withoutraising fees or taxes, state Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) has introduced legislation thatwould give schools access to a new source of funding by harnessing renewable energy.“Keeneyville’s plan to use renewable energy as a source of funding is a unique approach to an age-old problem and this legislation would help make their proposal a reality,” Crespo said. “As themeasure moves through the legislative process, I will continue working with community leaders toensure their concerns are addressed and the original intent of the bill is honored.”Drafted after several months of meetings with Hanover Park officials and representatives from theutility industry, House Bill 6660 would allow local governments, including school districts, toreceive a credit for any electricity generated by a renewable energy facility that they supply to theelectricity grid but do not use.Current statute dictates that public utilities shall consider incorporating such facilities, but does notrequire it. Crespo’s measure would ensure these renewable energy facilities, such as one proposed by Keeneyville School District 20, located in the Village of Hanover Park, have access to the grid.Other legislation sponsored by Crespo last year is set to generate much needed revenue for theHoffman Estates Park District (HEPD). In 2003, the HEPD partnered with the Chicago Wolves toconstruct the Community Center and Ice Arena (CCIA), which would provide a number of community activities. HEPD and the Wolves entered into an agreement providing the park districtwith over $4.5 million over 15 years to construct and operate the CCIA in exchange for exclusiveuse of certain facilities and billboard advertising space along Interstate Highway 90.The park district negotiated an agreement with Tollway LLC to lease two billboard signs located inHoffman Estates adjacent to Interstate 90 to sublease to the Chicago Wolves. The final stage of theagreement involves the Park District and the Wolves relocating three billboards and adding a fourthone. Without the approval of House Bill 876, the HEPD stood to lose this revenue. The HEPD’s permit for the project is currently pending with the Illinois Department of Transportation.