Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-Il-13th) today released the complete list of the member projects (“earmarks”) and program requests that she has submitted to House appropriators for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 funding cycle. 
 
            “While I have released my requests before, this is the first year that every Member of the House will be required to do so under new rules, and that’s the sort of progress we should continue to move forward on,” said Biggert, a long-time advocate for earmark reform.  “Members know their district’s needs better than some bureaucrat in Washington, but every dollar of taxpayer money should be fully vetted by the public and scrutinized for waste, fraud, and abuse.”
 
            In addition to posting their requests online, Members must submit signed certifications that neither they nor their spouse has a financial interest in a project they secure.  House Republicans also have voluntarily adopted reforms such as no self monuments, no earmarks for front organizations, no ‘air-dropping’ earmarks into a conference report to avoid scrutiny, and always publicly detailing all earmarks in the Congressional Record.
 
            Today’s release marks the second time, beginning in FY08, Biggert has published all of her project requests prior to their approval by the House, Senate, conference, and White House.  And for FY09, she even adopted a year-long moratorium on earmarks as part of a broader push to bring more transparency and accountability to the earmarking process.  Previous to that, Biggert publicized earmark projects that actually received federal funding. 
 
            “I know that some of these requests are long shots, and we never want to get people’s hopes up too high.  But transparency now is much more important than sparing false hopes, and I want to ensure that all of our worthy projects are out there and given a chance,” said Biggert.  “I’m proud of the requests we’ve made for residents of the district.  These are expenditures that will create jobs, improve roads, and protect our children and health.”
 
            22 requests were made for funding in 9 appropriations bills.  Biggert made no requests of the remaining three subcommittees: state/foreign ops, military construction, and legislative branch. 
 
            The biggest category of requests on Biggert’s list is technology – funding associated with Argonne National Laboratory or technology companies that are spin-offs from the research and development conducted at Argonne.        
 
            “Appropriating funds is a responsibility that is assigned to Congress by the Constitution,” said Biggert.  “What I object to in the “earmarking” process is when there is lack of transparency.   In the past, no one knows who requested the earmark, and no one knows about the earmark until after Congress has voted on the bill in which the earmark is contained.  I think that’s wrong.  Those who request and receive earmarks should be willing to defend the earmarks, and Members should know what they’re voting for in advance of the vote.” 
 
            Biggert said that the process of selecting and submitting requests is one that she takes very seriously.
 
            “My staff and I spend a great deal of our time calling on county, local and state officials to ask for their federal funding priorities for the communities in my district.  I also personally meet with hundreds of constituents each year who come to me with requests for funding for not-for-profit and other causes.  Some of them are appropriate and worthy; others are not,” she said.  “I’m hopeful that with even greater reform, we will be able to eliminate any inappropriate spending requested by those on either side of the aisle.”

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U.S. Representative Judy Biggert
Member Requests
April 3, 2009

Energy & Water

1.  Green Fuels Depot
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Packer Foundation
1950 N. Washington St.
Naperville, IL 60563
Amount Requested:
$4,000,000
Project Description:
Funds will allow a local collaboration of engineering, scientific, and municipal leaders to use emerging energy technologies to convert waste into electricity, hydrogen, and ethanol to operate municipal fleet vehicles.
Explanation of the request:
The Packer Foundation will coordinate and manage a biomass conversion to fule demonstration for municipal fleet vehicles with the City of Napervill, College of DuPage, Argonne National Lab, and Packer Engineering. Demonstrating and deploying waste-to-fuel sources will promote environmental responsibility and sustainability while reducing costs to municipalities, and ultimately taxpayers, by reducing high energy costs and operating overhead of local government. 
 
2. Natural Community and Hydrology Restoration at Prairie Bluff Preserve and Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve (LPNP)
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Forest Preserve District of Will County
17540 West Laraway Rd
Joliet, IL 60433
Amount Requested:
$1,000,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used to modify how storm water is managed at the preserve through the elimination of agricultural drain tiles, creation of infiltration basins and trenches, and the use of other best management practices.  In addition, funds will be used to restore naturalized plant communities across this portion of the recharge area, increase water infiltration, and stabilize the seepage flow at LPNP.
Explanation of the request:
Prairie Bluff Preserve occupies much of the groundwater recharge zone for the seeps at Lockport Prairie.  Modifying how storm water is managed is important for protecting the rare habitats and would address several goals and objectives contained in the federal recovery plans for endangered species.
 
3.  Report language request (non-earmark) on Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), which is owed local school districts for the loss of property tax revenue associated with Argonne National Lab/Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science.
Language Details:
The language would direct the DOE to change regulations that tie PILT payments to Impact Aid and therefore reduce payments for the Lemont Township High School District 210, Burr Ridge School District 180, and Cass School District 63.  It also requests $280,000.00 in PILT payments.

Interior

1.  63rd Street Storm Sewer Expansion
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Village of Willowbrook
7760 Quincy Street
Willowbrook, IL 60527
Amount requested:
$2,000,000
Project Description:
Replacement of existing outdated sewage pipes with larger pipes to alleviate private property flooding and prevent future road closures.
Explanation of the request:
Development in the local area has exceeded current storm sewer capacity. Installing larger pipes now will alleviate future flooding and street closure, improving quality of life for drivers and homeowners in the area. Furthermore, managing storm water flow now will prevent premature road deterioration and the subsequent road construction delays and costs associated with repair.
 
2.  Storm water Management at Naper Settlement
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Naperville Heritage Society
523 S. Webster Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Amount requested:
$500,000
Project Description:
This project will provide the proper drainage and management of storm water as required by DuPage County at Chicagoland's only nationally accredited outdoor history museum.
Explanation of the request:
Introducing underground vaults and improving management of storm water at Chicagoland's only nationally accredited outdoor history museum will improve the water quality in the DuPage River watershed by mitigating the impact of storm water on Naper Settlement's grounds and in the surrounding neighborhoods.
 
3.  Residential Water Well Testing
Intended Recipient of Funds:
DuPage County Health Department
111 N. County Farm Rd
Wheaton, IL 60187
Amount requested:
$225,000
Project Description:
The project will sample private water wells located down gradient of seven known areas of contamination to determine the scope and source of additional contamination, with an emphasis on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). The Health Department will collect the water samples and the Illinois EPA will conduct the sample analysis.
Explanation of the request:
Over 140,000 residents use water from private wells in DuPage County. By implementing the second phase of water testing in down-gradient areas, local officials will be able to discover and preempt the spread of potential contaminants, protecting both water quality and human health.

Commerce, Justice, and Science

1.  Internet Safety Programs
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Village of Downers Grove
801 Burlington Ave.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Amount Requested:
$5,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used to implement four projects: the Bully Busters Program (4th grade), which focuses on how to handle bullies, including issues related to cyberbullying; the Home Alone Program (5th grade), which is designed for “latchkey” children and includes Internet safety; the Cyberbullying Program (7th grade), which was developed specifically for middle school students and focuses on the consequences of cyberbullying; and the Protecting Your Child From Predators Program, which is specifically for parents and includes a segment about keeping children safe from online threats.
Explanation of the request:
With reports that one in seven minors are approached online with unwanted sexual advances, more resources are needed to protect children online.  This funding will not only protect children from predators, but also will educate them on new threats like Cyberbullying.  Crime Prevention experts will conduct classes with both students and parents to teach them strategies to keep children safe.

Labor, Health, and Human Services

1.  Children’s Autism Treatment
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Little Friends, Inc.
140 North Wright Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Amount Requested:
$200,000
Project Description:
The purpose of this project is to offer evaluation and therapy services at the Little Friends Center for Autism in Naperville, Illinois at an affordable rate.  This funding will allow Little Friends, Inc. to meet the increasing demands for their services.  These early diagnosis and therapy services have been proven to be the most effective treatment in ameliorating the symptoms of children diagnosed with autism. 
Explanation of the request:
Last year, LFCA trained over 3,000 parents and professionals and more than 120 families have benefited from LFCA's evaluation clinic. They have since outgrown the space, and have an opportunity to move to a larger facility nearby.   This will allow for expanded occupational and speech therapy services for children with autism of all ages and provide the space needed to conduct additional evaluations, confidential consultations and family trainings.
 
2.  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Center
Intended Recipient of Funds:
St. Xavier University
18230 Orland Parkway
Orland Park, IL 60467
Amount Requested:
$500,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used to develop a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Center on St. Xavier University’s Orland Park campus to better prepare educators and education students to teach STEM disciplines to pre-school through college-age students.  The STEM Education Center will feature a state-of-the-art methods lab that will be used to provide hands-on science, math, and technology programs designed to increase teachers' knowledge and skills in these areas.
Explanation of the request:
The STEM Education Center will increase the number of well-qualified STEM teachers in south suburban schools; improve STEM education in public and private schools in the south suburbs of Chicago; and increase the number of teachers and students who participate in programs that result in careers in STEM fields.  Both locally and nationally there is a critical need for professionals with a solid foundation in science, technology and mathematics.  And advancing science and technology is crucial to America’s long-term economic competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development

1.  Bolingbrook Airport Improvements
Intended Recipient of Funds:
VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK
375 W. BRIARCLIFF ROAD
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Amount Requested:
$2,000,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used to carry out FAA-approved plans to bring a recently-acquired airport into FAA compliance by upgrading the runway to general aviation standards.  The project will include drainage improvements, old runway removal, and paving.
Explanation of the request:
The Bolingbrook International Airport is one of the most widely used general aviation airports in Illinois. Improving the runway will increase safety for travelers and increase access for commercial and passenger travel to the southwest suburbs.
 
2.  Tinley Park 80th Avenue Metra Station Development
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Village of Tinley Park
16250 South Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Amount Requested:
$2,000,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used by the Village of Tinley Park, in collaboration with Metra, to develop a new building, warming shelters, and pedestrian underpass to accommodate increasing ridership at Metra's second busiest location.
Explanation of the request:
The 80th Avenue Metra facility is the second busiest commuter train location within the Metra system. It has a daily ridership of over 3000 commuters. A new building, warming shelters, and underpass will vastly improve efficiency, safety, and access for daily commuters.
 
3.  Woodridge Pedestrian Bridge at Rt. 53
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Village of Woodridge
One Plaza Drive
Woodridge, 60517
Amount Requested:
$500,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used for construction of a pedestrian bridge over Route 53.
Explanation of the request:
The proposed pedestrian bridge is the last step to connecting a network of commercial, residential, and recreational paths. Once completed, the bridge will enhance pedestrian safety as well as decrease congestion and improve air quality by offering citizens convenient access to multiple destinations on foot and bicycle, rather than car.
 
4.  Ogden Avenue Grade Separation
Intended Recipient of Funds:
City of Aurora
44 E. Downer Place
Aurora, IL 60507
Amount Requested:
$4,000,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used for engineering and design of a much-needed grade separation at IL Route 34 in Aurora along the EJ&E tracks recently acquired by Canadian National.
Explanation of the request:
The Surface Transportation Board's (STB) recent approval of Canadian National's purchase of the EJ&E Railway has created an urgency to begin Phase I engineering for a grade separation at Ogden Ave due to the four-fold increase in freight traffic and related traffic congestion and safety concerns. Under the STB's decision, Canadian National would be required to pay 67% of the cost of the $50 million project, however matching public funds are required to leverage those dollars.
 
5.  159th Street Widening
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Illinois Department of Transportation
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL
Amount Requested:
$1,750,000
Project Description:
Funds would be used to widen 159th street from two to four lanes from I-355 to Will-Cook Road.
Explanation of the request:
Widening 159th street will ease congestion and improve public safety.  Average daily travel has doubled in the last 5 years, resulting in a 20% increase in traffic fatalities. 

Department of Defense

1.  Diamond MEMS Sensors for Real-Time Sensing of Weaponized Pathogens
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc.
429 B Weber Road # 286
Romeoville, IL 60446
Amount Requested:
$2,500,000
Project Description:
Funding would provide for the development of wearable, diamond-based MEMS biosensors for first responders or warfighters that will detect weaponized pathogens in real-time.
Explanation of the request:
The purpose of the project is to develop a wearable sensor to detect weaponized pathogens utilizing the unique properties of diamond.  ADT's patented diamond technology will be used as a platform to enable a new class of compact, wearable chemical and biological point sensors, with unprecedented sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility.  Success in this project would offer improved safety for America’s warfighters and improved response times in hazardous material or environmental situations.
 
2.  Joint Aircrew Combined System Tester (JCAST)
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Chemring Scot, Inc.
2525 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Amount Requested:
$2,000,000
Project Description:
The funding would be used for the procurement of Joint Aircrew Combined System Testers (JCAST). The JCAST is a self-contained, portable tester, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of equipment to test aircrew flight equipment.
Explanation of the request:
The JCAST tester provides mission critical data collection for complete system verification.  It will reduce life-cycle ownership costs by accurately and effectively performing trend analysis, which is necessary for purchasing equipment and replacement parts. The JCAST tester has the support of United States Air Force Major Air Commands such as the Air National Guard (ANG), Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Air Combat Command (ACC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), United States Air Forces Europe (USAFE), Air Force Special Operation
Command (AFSOC) and the Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
 
3.  Cadmium Telluride on Silicon for Night Vision and Low-Cost Solar Energy
Intended Recipient of Funds:
EPIR Technologies
590 Territorial Drive, Unit B
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Amount Requested:
$5,000,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used for the construction of a solar research and manufacturing facility to create novel, lower-cost, concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells that will generate higher capacity solar technology, reduce energy costs, and make alternative substrates more affordable to the U.S. Army for advanced night vision capabilities.
Explanation of the request:
Increased manufacture of advanced solar technology promises to bring down the cost of renewable, photovoltaic energy to that of conventional grid power.  This would lower energy costs, help end America’s dependence on foreign energy, and combat climate change.  Moreover, the Army's night vision capabilities will greatly expand through the associated manufacture of alternative substrates for high performance HgCdTe-based cameras. These substrates are a component of the CPV solar cells, hence the mass production of the solar cells will ensure the availability of low-cost alternative substrates.
 
4.  Advanced Battery Materials and Manufacturing R&D
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 South Cass Avenue
Argonne, IL 60439
Amount Requested:
$5,000,000
Project Description:
Argonne National Laboratory and the Commonwealth of Kentucky are collaborating in an industrial consortia to advance battery materials and manufacturing. The main objective is to make breakthroughs in new battery materials and electro-chemistry critically needed to move forward on practical, competitive transportation solutions and for efficient storage of electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
Explanation of the request:
Electrification of the nation's light vehicle fleet has great potential to reduce oil imports and significantly reduce emissions.
 

Agriculture

1.  Gypsy Moth Control
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Village of Downers Grove
801 Burlington Ave.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Amount Requested:
$75,000
Project Description:
Gypsy Moth Control funding will focus on spraying activities for 800 acres of residential area in Downers Grove in DuPage County, IL.
Explanation of the request:
Area infestations of Gypsy Moths have caused significant harm to neighborhood foliage, specifically oak trees. And there are reports that fecal matter from large populations of gypsy moths has caused respiratory discomfort to local residents. The need for increased suppression activities will protect both environmental and human health needs. Gypsy moths also incur significant financial damages by forcing residents to pay the costs associated with cutting down damaged trees or replanting foliage.  State funding for mitigation efforts was ceased. 
 
2.  Gypsy Moth Mitigation
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
3 S. 580 Naperville Rd
Wheaton, IL 60189
Amount Requested:
$75,000
Project Description:
Gypsy moth mitigation funding will be utilized for the application of insecticide and pheromone mating disruptor to protect Oak woodland natural areas from high levels of Gypsy Moth activity and damage.
Explanation of the request:
Gypsy moth infestations continue to plague DuPage County, IL. The Forest Preserve enjoys dense areas of mature oak tree stands -- some, dating back more than 100 years. The Forest Preserve District needs assistance to mitigate future defoliation from the gypsy moth in order to protect the area’s natural habitat.  State funding for mitigation efforts was ceased. 
 
3.  Gypsy Moth Prevention
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Downers Grove Township
4340 Prince St
Downers Grove, 60516
Amount Requested:
$75,000
Project Description:
The purpose of this project is to control the population of gypsy moths within Downers Grove Township by spraying in unincorporated areas where gypsy moths are infesting and destroying neighborhood trees.
Explanation of the request:
Downers Grove Township is located in DuPage County, Illinois, where gypsy moth outbreak levels continue to rise annually.  State assistance to commercial and residential property owners for prevention efforts has ceased, leaving homeowners responsible for costly mitigation or debris removal.  Successful prevention will decrease the moth population and prevent damage to neighborhood trees.

Financial Services

1.  Women's Entrepreneurial Education and Workforce Development Initiative
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Benedictine University
5700 College Road
Lisle, IL 60532
Amount Requested:
$300,000
Project Description:
Benedictine University recently established an innovative program specifically designed to empower women in the workforce. The program is designed to reach out to diverse low- and middle-income women for purposes of job skills training and professional development. Financial literacy and collaborative leadership are a few examples of course work for this program.
Explanation of the request:
In changing economic times, access to education and job training for underserved women is vital to our local communities.

Homeland Security

1.  Midwest Regional Center for Homeland Security
Intended Recipient of Funds:
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 South Cass Avenue
Argonne, IL 60439
Amount Requested:
$5,000,000
Project Description:
Funds will be used to design and build a dedicated space to consolidate key science and engineering capabilities, integrate research on critical homeland security technologies, and to develop crisis management tools, including those specifically adapted to the regional needs of the Midwest. 
Explanation of the request:
Argonne conducts basic and applied research for several Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other State and regional entities. The Center would further that research.  The Center also would provide operational capabilities, including secure space and communications, to assist first responders in their coordination efforts with all regional and federal agencies. The Center would also serve as a hub to help the region meet all response challenges in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist threat.  In addition, the Center will provide the FBI with a secure Continuity of Operations Facility in the Chicago area, should offices downtown be affected by a major event.  These secure capabilities currently do not exist in the Midwest region.