Press Release - Friday, September 29, 2006
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Gov. Blagojevich awards $1.2 million in bicycle path grants to northern Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today awarded more than $1.2 million in bicycle path grants to seven communities throughout northern Illinois to construct or make improvements to existing bicycle paths. In total, more than $2.6 million was awarded today to support 12 projects throughout the state.
"These projects will help to build on Illinois' already impressive trail system. Not only will the grants improve the quality of life for residents in communities that are getting new trails or updating existing trails, they'll also help make the communities even more attractive to visitors," said Gov. Blagojevich.
"The completion of the American Discovery Trail Mississippi Crossing project brings Illinois and Iowa another step closer in bringing both sides of the Mississippi together, while allowing our community to achieve more activities for outdoor recreational exercise and relaxation," said Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline).
"I'm pleased that the Governor puts a high priority on bike and pedestrian paths. I know that in my district the trail is used not only by bikers, but also joggers and walkers who find it a great place to exercise. I very much appreciate the Governor's continued support of recreational projects for downstate and thank him for his efforts," said Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island).
"The awarding of the state grant to the village of Orland Park to continue development of bicycle paths in our area is very exciting and well-deserved. Making the paths accessible to more of our citizens will encourage physical activity and improve the quality of life in our community. I am grateful to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for providing this assistance," Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D-Orland Park) commented.
"I am thrilled that the 43rd district has received $382,000 in funding for the extension of its bike path system. The residents of this area will greatly appreciate the recreational opportunities that these funds will bring to their communities," Sen. Arthur J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) said.
"The grant will allow residents of the district to engage in fun, physical activities through a newly constructed bicycle path. The new path will offer riders another option to participate in outdoor recreation in a safe manner. I expect the path to be used by families and even the most experienced cyclists. The path is a great addition to the 85th District," said Rep. Brent Hassert (R-Romeoville).
The Bicycle Path Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). It reimburses local governments up to 50 percent of the total of approved project costs.
Grant awards for bike path development projects are limited to a $200,000 maximum. There is no limit for land acquisition projects. Funding for the program comes from a percentage of motor vehicle title transfer fees.
Application forms and additional information on the Bicycle Path Grant Program are available
by contacting the IDNR Division of Grant Administration: One Natural Resources Way,
Springfield, IL, 62702-1271, or by calling 217/782-7481, TDD 217/782-9175, Ameritech Relay
800/526-0844, or on the department's Web site at www.dnr.state.il.us.
FY 2007 Bicycle Path Grant Program grants for Northern Illinois:
Frankfort Township (Will County), $200,000, to construct 2.1 miles of trail along St. Francis and Frankfort Square Road and 80th Avenue. The trail will directly link with a recently completed 2.2 mile segment completed by the Frankfort Square Park District.
Lake County Forest Preserve District, $200,000, to construct a 1.25 mile trail, which will connect the 30 mile Millennium Trail in Lakewood Forest Preserve to the Ray Lake Forest Preserve.
Lincolnwood, Village of (Cook County) $158,000, to renovate one mile of trail, which will connect the city of Chicago to the south and the village of Skokie to the north.
Orland Park, Village of (Cook County), $197,000, to develop 1.9 miles of trail which connects to the Tinley Creek Forest Preserve and Trail system on the eastern terminus.
Rock Island, City of ( Rock Island County), $134,500, to construct .33 miles of 10' bicycle/pedestrian multi-use trail on the western tip of Arsenal Island. This is the final phase of the American Discovery Trail Mississippi Crossing project, which connects the Illinois and Iowa Mississippi Trail at the bridge crossing over Sylvan Slough.
Romeoville, Village of (Will County), $182,200, to construct 2.2 miles of trail on a ComEd corridor which will connect to the Normantown Road Trail on the north and to the Conservation Park Trail to the west.
Will County Forest Preserve District, $200,000, to construct a one mile trail extension of the 20 mile Plank Road Trail in Joliet. The project will also provide a trailhead off Washington Street.
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