From Today's Cranes Chicago Busines.  Hopeful Signs for Olympics Coming to Chicago

Chicago extends lead for 2016 Games: Web site

(Crain’s) — Chicago widened its lead against its rivals for the 2016 Olympic Games in an index compiled by Around the Rings, an influential Web site that tracks the business of the games.

The city scored 80 out of 110 points in the latest ranking published by Ed Hula, editor of the Atlanta-based site. Madrid jumped into the No. 2 slot with a score of 78, ahead of Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, which both scored 76.

Chicago scored 77 in the previous assessment, in September 2008, just one point ahead of the other three cities at 76. It’s the first ranking by Around the Rings since visits to each city by an International Olympic Committee evaluation team in April.

“Chicago was first out of the gate and showed they were a strong candidate,” Mr. Hula says. “It’s still a close race. Madrid showed its strengths real well and why it can’t be discounted: their facilities, venues and the way the city works.”

Chicago improved its marks in legacy, marketing, public support and bid operation. Madrid rose in bid operation, marketing and accommodation.

Rio’s scores dropped in accommodation, games cost and transportation but saw improvements in security and public support.

Tokyo saw its marks drop for marketing, games cost and ambience but improve for security, transportation and accommodation.

Representatives for the four cities will be in Lausanne, Switzerland, next week to meet with IOC members in the last presentation before the committee votes in October to award the games.

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June 2009

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March 2009

Route 53 Referendum Update: Vote YES!

As many of you know, the Route 53 project has been planned for years. in further support of executing this project, Lake County has put an advisory referendum on the April 7th ballot asking residents if the state of Illinois should construct the extension of Route 53. By voting “YES!” on the ballot, you are supporting the economic development, transportation of goods and services and the improved quality of life for the residents and businesses of Lake County! For more information on the referendum or how to further support this effort, please visit http://www.build53yes.org/. Tell Lake County, state and federal leaders that you’re sick and tired of traffic jams. Vote YES!

IDOT Stimulus Money Still to Come  (Also from Roadbuilders “Friday Facts”)

IDOT Special Letting and Special ProvisionsPer IDOT, nothing was permanently pulled from the stimulus letting — some projects just weren’t ready. The vast majority of those projects will be let on April 24th.