April 7, 1999

CHICAGO-- The Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS), the Metropolitan Planning Organization for northeastern Illinois, announced the debut today of CATS Online (www.catsmpo.com). CATS will hold a public Open House on April 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to demonstrate the new Web site.

The new CATS Web site is part of an increased emphasis on public involvement in the regional transportation planning process, and coincides with the development of an updated Public Involvement Plan that is currently subject to public review and comment. The review and comment period runs through April 28.

"We are thrilled to be able to open up the planning process through a connection to the World Wide Web," said Linda Bolte, CATS Deputy for Planning. "We hope that our site can become a resource for citizens that want to learn more about transportation decision-making, and how they can join us to make a difference."

CATS Online features information about CATS’ planning and programming initiatives, publications, committee structure, links to transportation planning agencies, meeting and event notices, press releases, and opportunities for citizen involvement. The site contains information about air quality, CATS committees, partners, and history.

For more information about CATS Online, the CATS Open House, or the proposed Public Involvement Plan, contact the CATS Communications Division at (312) 793-3460.