Grayslake Awarded Federal Funds for Pedestrian Access Improvements on Route 83

The following information comes from a Office of the Governor Pat Quinn press release. 

Governor Pat Quinn announced Monday a $52.7 million investment in community transportation projects throughout Illinois.

Grayslake has been awarded $312,000 for pedestrian access improvements on Illinois Route 83. 

The improvements include the installment of a new sidewalk, detectable warnings, and pedestrian crossing signals to improve access to Frederick School and the residential and commercial areas along Illinois Route 83.

The investment will support more than 400 jobs through 71 projects, including bike paths, walking trails, historic preservation and streetscape beautification projects in communities across Illinois. The funding is through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) — a federally-funded, competitive program that encourages transportation-related projects.

“These projects will support hundreds of jobs while preserving our heritage, beautifying communities and creating opportunities for pedestrians, bicyclists and others across Illinois,” Governor Quinn said. “The projects will help improve the quality of life for everyone, and I commend Senator Durbin and Illinois’ congressional delegation for fighting for this important community funding.”

The ITEP program is designed to promote alternative transportation options, including bike and pedestrian travel, along with streetscape beautification. 

The federal funds are awarded competitively, and any local or state government is eligible to apply. Local matching funds are required, and work must begin on the projects within three years. For the current round of funding, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) received 232 applications requesting ITEP federal funding totaling nearly $260.5 million.

“These grants will make our communities better places in which to live and work,” Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider said. “They promote outdoor activity and help make us more proud of what our home towns have to offer.”