The Rev. Jesse Jackson is delivering some muscle to bring elected officials together in Pembroke Township in another push to have eastern Kankakee County acquire natural gas service. Meetings have drawn elected leaders and residents to the table. Hopkins Park Mayor Mark Hodge turned to the Rev. Jackson for help – after meeting the voice of Rainbow/PUSH at one of its events.

Hodge reports the community has needed this kind of help for a long time and the Rev. Jackson offers some extra-punch to keep talks moving forward. Jackson has attended three meetings so far. Mayor Hodge said it’s been positive, “keeping this issue on the front-burner is our way to get results.”

The Daily-Journal reports NICOR officials have attended the meetings. Such a project to deliver natural gas service to the area would cost $8-million. Of that, $3.25 would have to come from the locals. Newly-appointed State Senator Patrick Joyce says the state would help with $1-million.

The D-J reports Kankakee County Board Chairman Andy Wheeler and Economic Alliance of Kankakee County CEO Tim Nugent also support the effort.

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