CHICAGO - October 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced nearly $90 million in federal transportation enhancement funds for bike paths, streetscape beautification and other improvement projects in communities across Illinois. The funding is a part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), a federally-funded competitive grant program that promotes alternative means of transportation. The latest round of awards includes a total of 120 Illinois projects and is expected to create or retain 900 jobs.
"This federal funding will give communities throughout Illinois the opportunity to beautify their streets, develop bike paths and improve hiking trails," said Governor Quinn. "These community-based projects will create jobs, expand travel choices, enhance safety and improve the quality of life for Illinoisans."
The ITEP is designed to improve transportation safety and the quality of life and in Illinois by promoting alternative transportation, bike and pedestrian travel, and streetscape beautification. The federal 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 pleased to announce this federal special project funding for communities across the state," said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "Thanks to this funding, transportation enhancement projects will make Illinois a better place to work, live, do business and raise a family."
The Illinois Department of Transportation received 391 applications requesting ITEP funding totaling just under $370 million.
Last year, Illinois received funding for 68 transportation projects totaling $22 million through the ITEP. The program is funded through SAFETEA-LU, the federal surface transportation funding bill.
A full list of projects is attached. For more information please visit www.dot.state.il.us/opp/itep.html
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