December 1, 2023
www.ssmma.org
Governor Pritzker Marks the Successful Conclusion of I-57 Improvements in the South Suburbs
This week Governor JB Pritzker, government leaders, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) came together in the City of Markham to celebrate the completion of an $82.1 million, multiyear improvement project on Interstate 57.

"After decades of neglect, we are delivering the kind of infrastructure improvements that Illinoisans have been waiting for," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Our two-year, $85 million investment created good-paying jobs and has produced a smoother, safer ride for all who use I-57. When we make smart investments in the roadways that working families and businesses rely on, we're constructing a better future for the entire region."

Governor Pritzker was joined by Senator Napoleon Harris, State Representatives Will Davis and Justin Slaughter, Commissioner Monica Gordon, Mayors Roger Agpawa (Markham), Vernard Alsberry, Jr. (Hazel Crest), Fred Billoto (Blue Island), Shelia Chalmers-Currin (Matteson), James Ford (Country Club Hills), Rick Reinbold (Richton Park), Fitzgerald Roberts (Dixmoor), Joseph Roudez (University Park), and State Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.

"The I-57 corridor is not just crucial for south suburban families to get to school or work, but also to our nation's commerce," said Sen. Napoleon Harris, (D-Harvey). "The south suburbs is where goods move across the country. Projects like these are allowing businesses small and large to get their products where they need to be on-time, safely, and efficiently."

"Today, we are celebrating new bridge decks and newly resurfaced roads, but also a new sense of safety," said Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood). "The south suburbs deserves excellent infrastructure and Rebuild Illinois is making that happen."

Governor Pritzker emphasized the significance of smart infrastructure investments for the region's future, and local officials praised the improvements for their positive impact on safety, efficiency, and economic growth. To learn more read the press release here.
Upcoming Meetings and Events

Visit our website for SSMMA's meeting schedule, Zoom log-in information, and meeting materials.

Approved 2024 Meeting Dates
We're excited to wrap up the year with everyone at SSMMA's Jingle & Mingle Holiday dinner hosted by Mayor Jada D. Curry and the Village of Lynwood on Thursday, December 7 held at Dream Palace.

A special thanks to our sponsors, Comcast, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Governors State University Foundation, Robinson Engineering,
Calumet City Plumbing, AT&T, Christopher Burke Engineering, The Horton Group, and Restore Construction.
Stay updated with our latest news and updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter!
Grant Opportunities and Resources

• Join the US Department of Transportation on December 5 to prepare for upcoming USDOT discretionary grant opportunities at 3pm EST. Register here.

• A funding opportunity for the Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus Business Resiliency Program is now open. Learn more.

• The Illinois Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program is a support initiative designed to nurture and accelerate clean energy contractors and businesses within the state.

• Funding opportunity for Job Training and Economic Development Program. Learn more.

• Find a list of grant opportunities for the state of Illinois here.

• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant applications for green infrastructure projects, under the GIGO program. Learn more.

• Check out Will County's small business assistance resource page.
News from Community Partners
Partner with AmeriCorps to Tackle Your Community Needs in 2024
• AmeriCorps is seeking partners for 2024. AmeriCorps NCCC partners with a variety of nonprofit and governmental agencies, who design a project to address an identified community need.

• Attend a webinar on Friday, December 8 at 10:00am to learn more. Available project dates and deadlines along with the types of service AmeriCorps can provide are outlined in the Request for Proposals.
Unwrap the Festivities in the South Suburbs This Holiday Season!
• Get ready to deck the halls and spread the cheer during this holiday season in the South Suburbs this December!
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Provides Opportunities for Capital Improvement Initiatives
• Applications are being accepted for Conceptual Projects to help communities identify solutions for local flooding and Shovel Ready projects.

• Find more information here.
Vaccination Clinics Happening in the South Suburban Region
• CCDPH is partnering with the Posen-Robbins school district to host a vaccination clinic on Saturday, December 2 from 9 AM – 12 PM at Gordon Elementary School, 14100 Harrison Avenue in Posen, Illinois.

• Vaccinations will be offered for COVID-19. Find future vaccination clinics here.
Job Postings & Requests for Proposals
• SSMMA offers a list of local job opportunities and RFPs throughout the south suburban region directly on our website.

• Municipalities and organizations can send job openings and proposals here to be publicly posted.

SPC News
Good News – SPC Extends Contracts on Ford Interceptor Utility & Transit Van

• The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Governing Board is pleased to announce the approval of the first of three possible, one-year contract extensions on the following Ford vehicle contracts with Currie Motors:

• 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility (Contract #204) with all standard equipment, conventional gas: $44,954.00 - Optional Hybrid (limited supply): $47,615.00
• 2024 Ford Transit Full Size Van (Contract #207) with all standard equipment and standard wheelbase: $44,671.00 - Electric 1 ton van: $53,590.00

The contracts are valid through November 15, 2024. For questions or additional information, contact staff or Tom Sullivan at 815-464-9200, ext. 201, or tsullivan@curriemotors.com.

SPC Extends Liquid Calcium Chloride Contract with No Price Increases

• In time for winter, the SPC Governing Board has agreed to extend the 2023-24 Liquid Calcium Chloride Contract (#213) to Sicalco Ltd. from December 5, 2023, through December 4, 2024, with no price increases! The SPC reserves the right to extend the contract for up to three (3) additional, one-year terms upon mutual agreement of both the vendor and the SPC on a negotiated basis. For questions or additional information, contact Frank Sibr at 630-371-2655 or fsibr@sicalco.net.

SPC Extends Granite Telecommunications Contract – More Services, Same Price!

• The SPC is pleased to announce the renewal of the contract with Granite Telecommunications (Contract #205) from December 1, 2023, through November 30, 2024, with two (2) additional, one-year terms upon mutual agreement of both the vendor and the SPC on a negotiated basis.
Please note that prices remain the same with the following services added to the Granite lineup:

• Faster, dedicated Internet Speeds – now up to 10 Gig
• 5G Wireless Back Up Service
• Disaster Readiness Kit for remote deployment
• Microsoft TEAMS service
• EdgeBoot – Leading edge technology to reboot systems remotely 

• Check out the 2023 SPC Program Brochure.
Have something you'd like included in our next newsletter? Email it to news@ssmma.org.