Several local communities to share in transportation enhancement grants
SPRINGFIELD – Several communities in Metro East will share in the state’s $37 million investment in transportation enhancements.
Gov. Bruce Rauner today announced a nearly $37 million investment to expand travel options and enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the state. The 54 projects approved through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification work and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.
“Investing in local infrastructure is a sure-fire way to improve safety and quality of life,” said Rauner in a release. “These awards and projects will go a long way in making our great cities and communities even better places to work, raise a family and do business.”
The local awardees (IDOT District 8) are: 
Made possible by federal funds administered by IDOT, ITEP awards are focused on improving bike and pedestrian travel, as well as other surface transportation improvements that promote alternative options for getting around your community. To be eligible, applicants must commit a local match of at least 20 percent to their project and demonstrate a plan to have their awards spent within four years.
For the latest funding cycle, IDOT received 218 applications for projects worth an estimated $252 million. The next call for projects will be during fall 2019 followed by a spring 2020 award announcement.
