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Ryan Announces Transportation Enhancement Program
SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced an additional $36 million in transportation enhancement projects to communities throughout the state.
On September 30 the Governor announced nearly $57 million in community bicycle path projects, of which $48 million were part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP).
"These transportation enhancement projects represent quality of life improvements that will benefit citizens and businesses across Illinois," Ryan said. "The $36 million in funding we're announcing today will provide for historic preservation, scenic and historic highways, landscaping, transportation museums, and billboard control."
ITEP earmarks funding for projects that provide facilities beyond the traditional accommodations for cars, trucks, and transit. "These projects will provide facilities for transportation alternatives, and preservation of facilities that enhance tourism and economic development. They will make our communities more livable," Ryan added.
The $36 million in ITEP projects announced today will provide funding for projects in the following categories:
Examples of approved projects include: Hotel Florence Restoration in Chicago; Flora B&O RR Depot Restoration, and the Galesburg Downtown Streetscape Enhancement.
Examples of approved projects include: the Eldred Welcome Center, Golconda Dam #51 Housing Renovation, and The Quarter in East Moline for a tourist information center and scenic overlook.
Examples of approved projects include: Chicago Expressway Gateway Beautification, Corridors for Tomorrow--the continuation of wildflower plantings along the state's highways, and Manito on the Move--a downtown streetscape project.
Examples of approved projects include: Forman Depot Museum in Vienna, the Nickel Station in Edwardsville, and the Dellwood West Canal Museum in Lockport.
On Sept. 30 the Governor announced 37 pedestrian/bike paths totaling $47.7 million. Those projects are included in the ITEP program.
ITEP is a three-year program for enhancement projects approved for funding under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The FY 2000-2002 program totals $84 million in federal and local funding, and includes 86 enhancement projects, $25 million of which is included in FY 2000.
The next application deadline for project submittals is December 1, 1999. Communities that did not receive funding in this program must reapply for future consideration. For additional information contact Traci Sisk at the Illinois Department of Transportation in Springfield at 217-785-9109.
Press Releases