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Cook County Defers Some Major Projects

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Cook County has come up with a capital improvements program that puts the brakes on some big projects that once had a green light.

As WBBM Newsradio 780 Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, County Board President Toni Preckwinkle says the multi-year, $680 million capital program was mostly made up of urgent projects affecting health and safety, including the redevelopment of the long-shuttered old Cook County Hospital.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780 Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports

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But she says responsible spending is a priority, so Maria Saldaña, chief of Economic Development, says some major projects must be deferred.

Among the deferred projects is a parking structure at the often-crowded Maybrook Court Complex in Maywood.

"I think it is a necessary parking structure. I've heard a lot from the department and the correctional system, and people who have been out there know that that's a real issue, and I think we just have to – it's subject to further evaluation to determine what's the best solution for that parking problem out by Maywood, Saldaña said.

A total of $80 million in projects have been deferred.

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