* Kankakee Daily Journal…

CSL Behring is in the early phases of a 1.8 million-square-foot expansion which will easily require an investment far north of $1 billion.

Although employment projections have not been publicized yet, there is speculation it could come close to doubling the existing 1,600-member workforce.

The Australian-based pharmaceutical company has not asked for a penny of financial assistance or tax breaks from any governmental body.

It has made one seemingly simple request. This request was made 16 months ago, and as of this week, it still has not been satisfied.

CSL wants a traffic light put at its pending new entrance at the intersection at the Lowe’s Hardware store. The company has told the Illinois Department of Transportation it will pay for the stoplight.

Incredibly, a state thirsting for manufacturing development has yet to OK what seems to be a simple request. […]

Abell said CSL is making the largest investment anywhere in the state and perhaps beyond and yet, their request cannot be resolved.

“We can’t get a three-way light to become a four-way light.” […]

Kankakee County Board Chairman Andy Wheeler said he’s been calling IDOT in Springfield, local state political leaders and anyone else he can think of to get the situation rectified.

I’d have to ban myself from my own blog if I wrote what I really think about this level of ineptitude.

*** UPDATE *** It should never have come to this, but I’m glad to see it’s finally being “expedited.” From Sen. Toi Hutchinson’s Facebook page...

This afternoon, I reached out to the Illinois Department of Transportation to receive an update on the situation with CSL Behring’s expansion plans in Bradley.

I was assured the stoplight project would be approved and the agency is currently working to expedite that approval.