Illinois Governor Quinn: 27 Communities to Receive Grants for Alternative Transportation and Beautification Projects

Communities Across State to Benefit from $20 Million Grants

September 17, 2009 -- CHICAGO – September 17, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today announced that $20 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will fund 27 alternative transportation projects across the state. The grants are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) and are designed to improve the quality of life in Illinois by promoting alternative transportation, such as bike and hike trails, streetscape and beautification, and preserving transportation resources.

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“Our local communities are at the core of what makes Illinois great,” said Governor Quinn. “Thanks to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, communities across Illinois have the resources to beautify their streets, develop bike paths or improve hiking trails.”

ITEP provides federal funds to develop alternative transportation and preserve visual and cultural resources. The funds are awarded competitively and any local or state government with taxing authority is eligible to apply. Local matching funds are required and work must begin on the projects within three years.

“We are very happy to see federal dollars come home and help build a stronger Illinois,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “These ITEP grants will be put to good use for a number of communities across the state.”

Because of the enhancement funding included in ARRA, IDOT is able to fund these shovel ready projects from existing applications and project suggestions received through Recovery.Illinois.gov.

For more information on the ITEP program visit http://www.dot.state.il.us/opp/itep.html.

Source: Illinois Governor