(70 ILCS 3505/1) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9601) Sec. 1. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the Prairie Trail Authority Act. (Source: P.A. 84-1284.)

(70 ILCS 3505/2) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9602) Sec. 2. As used in this Act, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: "Authority" means the Prairie Trail Authority created pursuant to this Act. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Authority. "Regional area" means the area within the boundaries of all member counties. "Eligible county" means any of the following counties: DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will. "Corporate authorities" means the board of trustees of the conservation district of an eligible county or, if a county forest preserve district oversees the eligible county's prairie pathways and bicycle trails, the board of commissioners of the forest preserve district. (Source: P.A. 85-474.)

(70 ILCS 3505/3) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9603) Sec. 3. There is hereby created within the regional area a political subdivision to be known as the Prairie Trail Authority. The purpose of the Authority shall be the public purpose of coordinating and maintaining a system of linked pathways and bicycle trails. (Source: P.A. 84-1284.)

(70 ILCS 3505/4) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9604) Sec. 4. The Authority shall have the following rights and duties: (a) To coordinate and maintain a system of linked pathways and bicycle trails throughout the regional area. (b) To acquire, own, construct, lease, operate, equip and maintain property for its purposes. (c) To accept gifts and grants from any public or private body or individual. (d) To determine the amounts required to be contributed annually by member counties; provided that each county's contribution shall be in proportion to its representation on the Board. (e) To enter into any contract necessary or desirable for its purposes, including contracts for services. (Source: P.A. 84-1284.)

(70 ILCS 3505/5) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9605) Sec. 5. Any eligible county may become a member of the Authority by majority vote of the corporate authorities of the county. Once becoming a member of the Authority, a county shall be required to pay the annual contribution prescribed by the Board. A county may withdraw its membership in the Authority by majority vote of the corporate authorities. The failure of an eligible county to become a member of the Authority shall not affect the Authority's power to purchase and acquire land. (Source: P.A. 84-1284.)

(70 ILCS 3505/6) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 9606) Sec. 6. The governing body of the Authority shall be the Board of Directors. The president of the board of trustees of the conservation district of an eligible county or, if a county forest preserve district oversees the member county's prairie pathways and bicycle trails, the forest preserve president, of each member county shall appoint one director to the Board. One additional director shall be appointed in like manner from a county for each 300,000 in population that the county's population exceeds 300,000. All directors shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Directors shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses. The Board shall elect a chairman from among its membership and shall meet from time to time at scheduled meetings or at the call of the chair. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors shall be necessary for the authorization of any business transacted by the Board. (Source: P.A. 85-474.)