IDOT Invests $11.4M Via 30 Grants for Transportation Initiatives

Courtesy of IDOT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced more than $11.4 million in 30 grants will be invested for local transportation initiatives.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced more than $11.4 million in 30 grants will be invested for “local initiatives and activities to support the planning efforts of long-range transportation projects across the state.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said of the iniatives: “Today, I couldn’t be prouder to announce that IDOT will be dispersing more than $11 million in grant funding to thirty local initiatives – ensuring that our communities have the resources they require to develop local infrastructure that best fit their needs. Coupled with my administration’s landmark Rebuild Illinois capital program, we are modernizing every corner of our state’s infrastructure – opening doors, generating opportunity, and creating a more prosperous Illinois for generations to come.”

The funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation come from $7.3 million in federal funds and matching state and local funds of $788,000 and $3.3 million, respectively. These grants will advance the goals outlined in the Illinois Long-Range Transportation Plan. When considering projects, the criteria included looking at those that utilize asset-management strategies and performance-based planning and programming, particularly the projects that support economically distressed areas, according to the report.

State and local agencies, regional planning commissions, and metropolitan planning organizations applied for the grants. The selected projects are listed below:

• Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways: 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan. – This plan seeks to underscore the importance of transit and other non-motorized transportation to meet the needs of freight and county residents, as well as meeting the need for economic development and equity.
• Lee-Ogle Transportation: Transit for Those in Need. – This plan focuses on underserved areas in order to improve both quality of life and socioeconomic opportunities.
• Great Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission: Bicycle Planning in Pinckneyville, DuQuoin and West Frankfort. – This creates plans to develop bicycle networks in these areas in order to expand access and connectivity as well as mobility. It also seeks to enhance economic development.

Omer Osman, Illinois Transportation Secretary, said: “Thanks to Gov. Pritzker’s leadership, we are partnering with communities throughout the state to get them the tools they need to reimagine how they want transportation to work for their residents. . . These efforts would not be possible without concerted planning. Today’s grants will get needed resources to the local level to help guide decisions that improve safety, mobility and quality of life in communities and neighborhoods.”

The Rebuild Illinois program was passed in 2019, and it invests $33.2 billion into Illinois’ transportation system over six years. As the largest capital program in the state’s history, it also is the first to include all modes of transportation: “roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.”