IDOT Accepting Applications for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program

May 5 Deadline to Apply for Funding

[March 08, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Milton R. Sees announces that the department is now accepting applications for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, known as ITEP. Applications will be accepted for this competitive program until May 5. Projects funded by the program are designed to improve the quality of life in Illinois by promoting alternative transportation, such as biking and hiking trails, and preserving transportation-related resources.

"The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program provides vital funding for improving Illinois communities," said Sees. "ITEP gives community leaders the opportunity to decide which projects would enhance the quality of life in their towns, and the money ensures that those projects can be completed."

ITEP is a reimbursable program funded by a 10 percent set-aside of the federal Surface Transportation Program. 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.

Each state has the flexibility to create a program that best suits its needs, within the limits of federal and state law. Project sponsors may receive up to 80 percent reimbursement for project costs. The remaining 20 percent is the responsibility of the project sponsor.

In order to qualify for funding, a project must relate to surface transportation and must qualify as one of the 12 eligible activities listed below:

• Pedestrian and bicycle facilities

• Historic preservation

• Rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities

• Landscaping and scenic beautification

• Scenic and historic highways scenic easements

• Transportation museums

• Outdoor advertising control

• Safety education for pedestrians and bicyclists

• Rails-to-trails corridor preservation

• Archaeological planning and research

• Mitigation for roadway runoff and wildlife connectivity

• Scenic or historic highway programs

The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program began in 1991. 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 one year, to be eligible for funding.

Visit http://www.dot.il.gov/opp/itep.html to download an application form, or contact the department at [e-mail] for more information.

[Text from Illinois Department of Transportation file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]