Governor Quinn Announces $155,000 Investment to Develop Bicycle Path in Skokie

SKOKIE - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $155,000 to help develop a bicycle path in Skokie. The matching grant is 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.

"This investment will provide more opportunities for people to get out, get healthy and enjoy what Skokie has to offer," Governor Quinn said. "Bicycling is an ideal activity for young and old, and this path will make biking safer and more convenient."

The Village of Skokie will receive $155,200 to renovate a 1.18 mile segment of the eight-mile North Shore Channel Trail. The trail winds through the village's Northshore Sculpture Park which is located east of McCormick Boulevard between Dempster Street and Touhy Avenue.

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.

"Between bike commuters and people cycling for recreation, this investment in our bike trails will improve safety and encourage active, healthy lifestyles," State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) said.

"This new bicycle path will not only make Skokie more connectable, but will help to draw more bicycle traffic from the North Shore Channel Trail to the downtown Skokie area, so they can experience the many restaurants and stores the city has to offer," State Representative Lou Lang (D-Skokie) said. "I am encouraged by projects like this that are putting Illinoisans back to work and helping our local economy by providing much-needed jobs for area construction workers."