Gov. Blagojevich Awards $1.5 Million for Bike Trail Projects in Downstate IllinoisMatching grants provide safe places to rideSPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today awarded nearly $1.5 million in bicycle path grants for communities in downstate Illinois, expanding local and regional bike trails that provide safe places to ride for families, children, commuters, and fitness and recreation enthusiasts. Approximately $3 million for bike paths were awarded today statewide. “Bike path projects are an investment in local and regional recreation opportunities, neighborhood improvement, safe transportation and tourism enhancement,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “Trails are great places for bike riders, hikers, joggers and families to enjoy spending time outside." The state Bicycle Path Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). It reimburses local governments up to 50 percent of approved development costs for bicycle trail projects up to a maximum of $200,000. There is no maximum on the amount of grant funds that can be awarded for bike trail land acquisition. The program is funded through a percentage of the motor vehicle title transfer fee. “Bicycle paths are another way for area residents and tourists to experience the beauty of the state of Illinois,” Senator Frank Watson (R-Greenville) said. “They meander past some breathtaking scenery, through quaint communities and across miles of recreational trails. The trails provide a great outdoor resource for families to enjoy.” “These bike trails have been a tremendous recreational asset to our communities and their continued improvements enhance our quality of life,” said Senator William R. Haine (D-Alton). “Bike and hike trails continue to gain popularity and are utilized in communities throughout the entire state,” said State Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac). “I’m pleased to see funding for worthwhile outdoor projects, like bike paths, so we can continue to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents.” A list of this year’s Bicycle Path Grant Program projects for downstate Illinois is below. FY 2008 Bicycle Path Grant Program Grants ALHAMBRA, VILLAGE OF (Madison Co.), $200,000 to construct a 4.5-mile trail as an extension to the Nickel Plate Trail. The trail will begin at Hoxey Drive in rural Madison County to Main Street in Alhambra. EAST PEORIA, CITY OF (Tazewell Co.), $200,000 to construct .9-mile trail on the levee in East Peoria. This segment connects to existing trails in East Peoria and Peoria. GRANITE CITY, CITY OF (Madison Co.), $199,800 to construct 1.9 miles of trail as phase two of the Six Mile Prairie Trail System in Granite City. The trail runs along a sanitary canal between Pontoon Road and Maryville Road. MADISON COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT (Madison Co.), $200,000 to construct 4 miles as an extension to the Confluence Bikeway. This section begins at 20th Street in Granite City and runs to the McKinley Bridge which crosses at the Mississippi River. The trail will be built on top of the Chain of Rocks Canal Levee. MADISON COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT (Madison Co.), $200,000
to construct 2.8 miles of limestone screening trail as an extension to the
14-mile Nickel Plate Trail. This section starts at Fruit Road in rural
Madison County and extends easterly to Hoxey Drive. METRO EAST PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT (Madison and St. Clair Counties), $200,000 to construct a 6-mile trail on Chouteau Island along the levee. The trail will run from Chain of Rocks Road south to the southern most tip of Chouteau Island. This is phase one of the new Eagle Points Trail system. WASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT (Tazewell Co.), $83,700 to construct .3 mile of trail along Wilmore Road in Washington. The trail runs along Wilmore Road and crosses over Route 24, resolving a safety issue for trail users. This trail connects to existing city trails on both ends.
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