SJ0073eng 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

09800SJ0073 Engrossed LRB098 21037 GRL 58751 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 73

(As Amended by Senate Amendment Nos. 1 & 2)

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 after consultation with 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 runoff and stormwater are appropriately managed;

(7) Assign a point person before, during, and after the process who will be responsible for assuring a credible communication process and for taking appropriate action when notified by landowners; 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 mitigation that could be included in landowner agreements or contracts.