Governor Quinn Announces $253,000 Investment to Develop Bicycle Paths in Champaign County

CHAMPAIGN - Governor Pat Quinn today announced investments of $253,000 to help develop bicycle paths in Champaign County. The matching grants are part of a $1 million investment to develop or improve 42 miles of bicycle trails in Illinois. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to green transportation and healthy lifestyles in Illinois.

"These investments will provide more opportunities for people to get out, get healthy and enjoy what Champaign County has to offer," Governor Quinn said. "Bicycling is an ideal activity for young and old, and these paths will make biking safer and more convenient."

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District will receive $200,000 to construct 6.42 miles of trail on an abandoned railroad corridor recently purchased by the District. This trail segment will link Urbana with St. Joseph.

The Village of Mahomet will receive $53,200 to establish a trailhead and a 1,200-foot extension of the existing Lake of the Woods Multi-Purpose Pathway connecting the Champaign County Forest Preserve District's Lake in the Woods Preserve to Barber Park.

Funds for the Bicycle Path Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), are for the acquisition of land or development of facilities for bicycle paths. The Bicycle Path Grant Program was approved by the Illinois General Assembly in 1989 and funding comes from a percentage of motor vehicle title fees. The program provides up to 50 percent of the total approved project cost.

"Illinois' growing system of multi-use trails provides Illinois children and families with the perfect opportunity to get outside and connect with nature," DNR Director Marc Miller said. "As these new trails are completed, they will provide an economic boost because communities that offer diverse recreational opportunities become more attractive to new families and businesses."

A total of 21 applications were initially received, representing a combined request of $2.7 million. Combined with previous years' funding, DNR has awarded grants that helped develop approximately 982 miles of local government bicycle trails in Illinois since 1990.

"This investment will double the amount of biking trails in the Champaign County Forest Preserve," State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) said. "These trails will be a valuable resource for the growing biking population in our community and provide visitors with a new way to explore Champaign County."