Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is organizing a series of workshops across the state in May and June. These events aim to assist local governments and communities in understanding and applying for various funding opportunities available through IDOT. The workshops, known as Special Programs Assistance Conferences, will focus on three main programs: the Economic Development Program, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, and the Safe Routes to School Program.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman emphasized the significance of these workshops by stating, "With the passage of Gov. Pritzker's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, there are more opportunities than ever to work with IDOT to improve your community and enhance local quality of life." He added that the workshops would help stakeholders plan projects and prepare applications effectively.

The workshops will feature IDOT staff who will provide general information and answer questions from attendees. Each conference spans two days with sessions held both in the morning and afternoon at various locations throughout Illinois.

The scheduled locations and dates for these conferences are as follows:

- May 16-17 at IDOT District 3 in Ottawa

- May 23-24 at IDOT District 1 in Schaumburg

- May 25-26 at Orland Park Civic Center

- May 31-June 1 at Effingham Emergency Management Operations Center

- June 6-7 at Peoria Public Library Auditorium

- June 13-14 at Dixon High School

- June 21-22 at Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville

Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance. Additional information about the schedule can be found on the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program and Safe Routes to School Program web pages. Details regarding the Economic Development Program are also available online.