Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the department would make $400 million available for local transportation projects that focus on enhancing mobility and quality of life.
Projects will be selected based on cost-effectiveness, feasibility and safety, officials said. Any local government that oversees transportation assets is encouraged to apply by June 1 to be considered, the IDOT said. The department said that proposals benefiting disadvantaged or economically distressed communities will be given priority consideration.
“Over the past six years, we’ve made bold, historic investments to strengthen transportation across Illinois, improving mobility and quality of life in every region,” Pritzker said. “This $400 million investment builds on that progress by supporting local projects that connect communities and helping Illinoisans get where they need to go safely and efficiently. I highly encourage local entities to apply for this funding and bring critical projects that improve the lives of Illinoisans in every corner of the state.”
Projects can come from a number of categories including highways, bike and pedestrian facilities, transit, passenger rail, freight, safety, federal grant matches or other relevant projects. Officials said any phase of the project is eligible, including preliminary engineering in preparation for future funding opportunities.
“To our local partners, I urge you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to invest in your communities, put people to work and make our state an even better place to live, work and do business,” Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said. “The funding being made available is yet another example of our commitment under the leadership of Gov. Pritzker to strengthen transportation in Illinois at the local level. The team at IDOT is here to help, from identifying projects to submit for consideration to assisting with the application process.”
Applications can be submitted via Microsoft Forms, and more information is available on grants.illinois.gov.