East West Gateway offers streets initiative to Metro East communities

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking new planning project applications for a “Great Streets Initiative” project in Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties.

“Great Streets” are streets that effectively serve auto, pedestrian and bicycle traffic along with possible transit service, while supporting cohesive, interesting, healthy, and economically successful communities. This initiative seeks to empower communities to be advocates for better street design.

Applications are due no later than 3 p.m. Oct. 18.

Communities interested in submitting an application should notify staff as soon as possible by email at GreatStreets@ewgateway.org.

Projects eligible for funding are those for new planning projects and not for additional phases of a previous Great Streets project. The project area must be located within the Illinois portion of the St. Louis region served by EWG: Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties.

Any community within the Illinois portion of the St. Louis region served by EWG is eligible to submit an application for Illinois Great Streets funding.

EWG will evaluate applications based on consistency with the Great Streets Initiative program, “readiness” of project sponsors to facilitate the planning process, and commitment to plan implementation.

Project funds will be available to provide planning support only. Project sponsors will be responsible for implementation. Project sponsors will need to commit logistical support and community engagement / outreach for the planning effort. EWG anticipates funding one project and the total project costs will not exceed $70,000. There is not a local match funding requirement.

Once a project has been selected, EWG will issue a solicitation to hire a consultant to provide the planning services. EWG will work with the project sponsor during the procurement process to hire up to four individual consultants. EWG expects that the procurement process will be completed by March 2018. All project work must be completed by June 30, 2018.

For more information:

• Visit EWG’s Great Streets page to find more information about the Great Streets Intiative.
• Visit the Great Streets Digital Design Guide to find more information about what makes “Great Streets” happen.
• Contact EWG staff by phone at (314) 421.4220 or (618) 274.2750 or by email at GreatStreets@ewgateway.org.