Gov. Blagojevich Awards $1.5 Million for Bike Trail Projects in Northern Illinois

Matching Grants Provide Safe Places to Ride

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today awarded more than $1.5 million in bicycle path grants for communities in northern 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.

“I am pleased that the state of Illinois, again, will partner with Naperville in making our trails or river walk an even greater recreational treasure,” said Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Naperville).

“This is good news for the Park District and Rockford residents. Because of the good work that the Park District does, we have been able to get additional dollars to improve the quality of life for those who live in and around this area and those who use the Sportscore,” Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) said.
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“It is so nice to see the state supporting our wonderful Will County Forest Preserve in its quest to preserve open space,” said Rep. Reneÿe Kosel, (R-New Lenox).

A list of this year’s Bicycle Path Grant Program projects for northern Illinois is below.

FY 2008 Bicycle Path Grant Program Grants

DUPAGE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (DuPage Co.), $200,000 to construct 2.9 miles of trails within the Salt Creek Greenway corridor. The trail runs from Salt Creek Park Forest Preserve to North Avenue.

FRANKFORT, VILLAGE OF (Will Co.), $200,000 to construct a 2.9-mile trail in the southeast section of Frankfort. The trail runs west on Laraway Road from Sauk Creek Forest Preserve to Pfeiffer Road, then north on Pfeiffer to the Old Plank Road Trail.

KANE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (Kane Co.), $128,300 to construct 2.9 miles of trail through the Lake Run Forest Preserve. This segment is a portion of the Mid-County Trail System. A trail head and parking will be developed on Tanner Road.

NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT (DuPage Co.), $200,000 to construct 1.2 miles of trail through DuPage River Park in Naperville. This segment will connect west to a section of the DuPage River Trail system currently under construction and to the east, a trail in Whalon Lake Preserve.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT (Winnebago Co.), $200,000 to construct .6-mile of trail in Rockford along County Highway 5 north of Riverside Boulevard. The trail will run under the highway and loop back to the Sportscore Park.

ROCK ISLAND, CITY OF (Rock Island Co.), $200,000 to construct 1.2 miles of trail starting at Ben Williamson Park and ending at 31st Avenue in Rock Island.

ROUND LAKE AREA PARK DISTRICT (Lake Co.), $43,300 to rehabilitate .5 mile of the Gateway Bike Path just south of Rollins Road.

WILL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (Will Co.), $200,000 to construct a 1-mile multi purpose trail through Hadley Valley East Preserve. The trail starts at Bruce Road and runs west to the I-355 corridor. A trail head with parking, water, a shelter, signage and a latrine will be developed near Bruce Road.

WILL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (Will Co.), $144,900 to construct a 3-mile trail along the Des Plaines River between 135th Street and Keepataw Preserve.

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