April 7, 2017 –  The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the grant cycle of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, ITEP, will open on October 2, 2017. Applications will be due December 1, 2017 with selected projects announced in spring 2018. Grants are awarded up to 80% of total project cost up to $2 million. All applicants must be in compliance with the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA), which includes registering at www.grants.illinois.gov and fulfilling all other related requirements and documents. More information on ITEP can be found at http://www.idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/local-transportation-partners/county-engineers-and-local-public-agencies/funding-opportunities/ITEP.

The ITEP provides funding for community based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of our transportation infrastructure. Eligible projects include but are not limited to: bicycle and pedestrian facilities, landscape/streetscape and other scenic beautification, conversion of abandoned railroad corridors to trails, historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities, and vegetation management in transportation rights-of-way.

Bi-State Regional Commission can offer technical assistance to member governments seeking to apply to grant programs such as ITEP. Assistance is on a first come, first serve basis based on staffing availability. If interested, member governments are encouraged to contact Bi-State.