Back in 1997, opponents to this eastern bypass on the east side of the Illinois River, formed a group called Care of Communities against ring road encroachment. headed by Washington Alderman Michael Godar. (JS, 8/13/1997) On April 16, 1997 the JS reported that Godar had stated, "any ringroad would be built over my dead body".
No ring road was built. Later Godar would be elected to the Tazewell County Board by thankful voters. Time passed and Godar did an abrupt turn. A letter with the heading '474 Eastern Bypass Regional Coalition" was mailed to "EDC Investors" signed by Michael Godar, President. Godar asking for 'your support for the Eastern Bypass is paramount to the success of the Coalition and the project. The eastern bypass will facilitate more efficient traffic movement, relieve traffic congestion, encourage economic development, create a more balanced tax base, result in a more balanced result in a mobile workforce and improve the area's global competitive position".
Wow. Global even!!
So what happened in Godar's next run for relection? He was "blown" out by a margin 863 votes by unforgiving voters in Tazewell County who can recognize a turncoat wen they hear him talk.
No one is talking about the cost of this ringroad and bridge because there is no way this project is going to succeed, especiallly if the estimated cost would be known and the source of the funding be identified. Tazewell has a large majority of Republican officeholders so I doubt our present president will be tossing one billon dollars even with the Republican ?Department of Transportaion Ray LaHood's support. Back in the 1990's, LaHood supported a billion dollar highway to Chicago, a eastern ringroad, a widening of Rt. 29; in fact, he was all over the place with priorities with no real idea where the money would come from.
Who is on the Board of Directors of 474 EAstern Bypass? Godar, a failed businessman, is president, Ken Mauer, an educator?? is 1st VP, Steve Van Winkle, former City of Peoria Public Works???, and several less notables.
My prediction remains the same as it was in the 1990's This road will never be built but many people will add to their wealth. Who are these people? IDOT, Peoria Regional EDC Manager, a a slew of engineers, consultants and some go-fers.
Why won't it be built? There is little money now to repair our existing roads and bridges, union wages would drive the construction sky high and no one can justify the economic values in dollars unless it might be justified by a couple of Bradley Professors who live in "ivory towers".
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