Illinois communities to benefit from $106M in transportation enhancement grants

Nearly 100 municipalities, including 10 Fehr Graham clients, will benefit from the nearly $106 million in Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grants this year. These grants will help expand travel options and enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the state. This year's program is the largest since the passage of Gov. JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois initiative, which dedicates resources to municipalities with the greatest need.

"Our Rebuild Illinois capital plan is improving the day-to-day lives of our residents, which is why I'm proud to announce the largest investment in quality-of-life projects in Illinois history," said Governor JB Pritzker in a news release. "From safer pedestrian paths to new bike lanes and trail systems to beautification projects, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program will deliver real value to nearly 100 communities across the state, with a special focus on equity."

The 99 projects selected include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across various modes of transportation at the local level. More than 60% of the $105.97 million made in this funding cycle was allocated to communities that best demonstrated a financial need.

Fehr Graham grant writers helped secure funding for the following projects:
The Village of Savoy: First Street Shared-Use Path – $1,293,663
City of Dixon: Dixon Bike Path Extension Project – $1,395,180
Village of Shabbona: Shabbona Streetscape Project – $1,337,450
Shabbona Township: Shabbona Pathway Project – $440,000

Several other Fehr Graham clients also will benefit from ITEP money. They are:
City of Loves Park: IL 251 Streetscape – $2,000,000
Village of Rantoul: Maplewood Multiuse Path – $391,738
Sycamore Park District: Great Western Trail Extension: Sycamore Forest Preserve to Old Mill Park – Segment 2 – $1,748,149
Winnebago County: Extension of Perryville Bike Path (Phase II) – $660,600
Decatur Park District: Stevens Creek Bikeway 2A: $2,000,000
City of Decatur: Decatur Route 51 Bike/Walkway – $2,000,000