The Future of Energy: Judy examines a hay baler used by Packer Engineering in Naperville to create energy from farm-scale crop waste. A senior member of the House Science and Technology Committee and Co-Chair of the House Research and Development Caucus, Judy visited the facility to learn more about Packer’s local work on technologies to improve hydrogen energy storage, turn agricultural waste into fuel, harness solar power, create fertilizer without natural gas, and more.
A Natural Wonder: Judy discusses plans for a new nature center with Ray Ochromowicz, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Bolingbrook Park District. Biggert secured $147,000 for construction of the center, which will serve as a national model for environmental education and stewardship. The 6,000 square foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certified facility will be located along the East Branch of the DuPage River.
“Congresswoman Judy Biggert demonstrated a commitment to the environment and natural resources by providing funding for our LEED Platinum certified nature center,” said Ochromowicz. “The unique building will showcase the ultimate in green building design and serve as a hub for environmental education for southern DuPage and northern Will Counties. We are very grateful for her support.”
Investing in Safer Schools: Judy presents a check for $101,050 to Will County Sheriff Paul J. Kaupas and Dr. Doris Langon, Superintendent of Fairmont School District 89. The funds will be used to hire a full-time School Resource Officer who will work with elementary and junior high school staff to keep crime, gangs, and drugs out of our schools and neighborhoods.
Judy also secured funds for two additional crime-fighting initiatives: $962,900 to equip squad cars with mobile communications equipment and $101,050 to combat crimes against seniors.
Biggert read Corduroy's Easter Party to preschool-aged children at the Plainfield Library on April 3.
Judy joins Betty Krupp of Lisle in assembling care packages at Naperville-based Operation Support Our Troops on a recent Saturday morning. The organization sends overseas troops toiletries and other packaged treats. To date, volunteers of Operation Support Our Troops have sent more than 9,500 care packages to soldiers stationed across the globe. For more information about Operation Support Our Troops, please visit http://www.osotil.org.
Judy hosted Federal Highway Administrator J. Richard Capka for a meeting and tour of two possible interchange projects on I-55 in Will County. The prospective projects include a new interchange at Airport Road and a new ramp at the Rt. 126 interchange.