SJ0073 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0073 LRB098 21037 GRL 58751 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Numerous development projects are occurring in Illinois, including roads, electric transmission lines, and pipelines; and

WHEREAS, Landowners are often unaware their land is being considered for a project until they are contacted by a field agent; and

WHEREAS, An open line of communication often eases landowner concerns and helps preserve the integrity of any land impacted by construction; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that, in the taking of land or seeking of easements by eminent domain or quick-take procedures for development projects, the Senate recommends the following steps be followed by the entity developing the project:

(1) Notify affected landowners about the potential project as soon as possible and provide a reliable time frame for development activities;

(2) Notify a landowner prior to entering the landowner's private property for any reason;

(3) Keep work crews within the working easement;

(4) If applicable, ensure all field drainage tiles are repaired by a drain tile contractor chosen by the landowner, including repairing drainage issues discovered after the project is completed;

(5) Ensure that road closings are limited and appropriate detour access is provided;

(6) Ensure that run off and storm water are appropriately managed in a dedicated system and not directed into farm fields or farm drainage ditches;

(7) Assign an ombudsman for purposes of communication with landowners to address problems that arise before, during, and after the project is completed; the ombudsman should be on call for a period of 5 years after completion of the project so that any damages to property, which may not be revealed until after the project is completed, can be reported; the ombudsmen should provide a predictable, transparent, and credible communication process to all parties resulting in outcomes that are seen as fair, effective, and lasting and enable a more systematic identification of emerging issues and trends, facilitating corrective action and preemptive engagement; and

(8) Inform landowners about any pertinent State agriculture impact mitigation agreements and inform them that the provisions of those agreements may be the minimum standards for impact migration that could be included in landowner agreements or contracts.