Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), has announced a significant funding allocation for local transportation projects across Illinois. A total of $127.9 million has been awarded through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) to improve travel options and quality of life in various communities.

Governor Pritzker emphasized the program's role within the Rebuild Illinois initiative, stating, "The Illinois' Transportation Enhancement Program is an important part of Rebuild Illinois designed to support alternate modes of transportation, to preserve visual and cultural resources, and improve quality of life." He highlighted this as the largest funding round ever for ITEP, aimed at developing safer bike routes, walking paths, trails, and other local travel options.

A total of 72 projects have been selected for funding. These include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification projects, and more. More than 75% of the funds are directed towards communities demonstrating financial need.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman noted the program's impact: "The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program gives our local partners the resources they need to improve quality of life for their communities and strengthen the state's overall transportation system."

In Chicago, Governor Pritzker announced that $3 million will go to the Englewood Line Trail project. This project aims to convert an abandoned rail corridor into a walking and biking path on Chicago's South Side. CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi expressed optimism about its community benefits: "The Englewood Trail will serve as both a physical connector and a pathway to community revitalization by providing a new space where neighbors can enjoy the benefits of nature and community opportunities."

Other funded projects include improvements in Park Forest, Beach Park, Lake County Division of Transportation's Patriot Path Stage 1, Blue Island's Western Avenue Streetscape Project, Pana's Lincoln Prairie Trail Bridge Replacement, McHenry County Division's Randall Road Bike Accommodations, Marion’s RIDES Transit Center connection to Veterans Hospital, Aledo’s Ninth Avenue Shared-Use Pathway project, and Mount Prospect’s Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge.

These awards are made possible by federal and state funds administered by IDOT. The focus is on enhancing bike and pedestrian travel while promoting alternative transportation methods within communities.

Projects were evaluated based on readiness and connectivity potential with existing networks. Consideration was also given to areas with higher needs based on population metrics such as poverty levels and median household income.

IDOT received 213 applications totaling approximately $337 million for this cycle. The next call for project proposals is expected in late 2024 with awards announced in 2025.

Rebuild Illinois continues its investment into improving statewide infrastructure with a budget allocation of $33.2 billion aimed at roads, bridges, transit systems among others since its inception in 2019.