Gordon-Booth Highlights New Statewide $400 Million Local Transportation Infrastructure Program

PEORIA, Ill. – An initiative pushed by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, will deliver $400 million in state funding to help local governments repair local roads and other transportation priorities, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

“When developing our current state budget, we saw an opportunity to invest more resources in local transportation projects that will provide real benefits now and for years to come,” Gordon-Booth said. “As local governments look to balance their limited resources between transportation and other services, this is a significant grant they should take advantage of. In particular, this program aims to help uplift disadvantaged communities that too often have been overlooked.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) recently began the application process for the $400 million initiative, with an anticipated range of funding between $100,000 and $10 million per project. Projects in economically disadvantaged areas will be prioritized for funding, and will be prioritized based on readiness with a focus on grant initiation within a two-year timeframe. Eligible categories of transportation include highway, rail, bicycling and pedestrian transit.

Financial support for the effort was included in the current state budget, which was spearheaded by Gordon-Booth as she served as the House’s lead negotiator.

“These are critical investments that spark development, support jobs and prepare us to meet the economic demands of today and tomorrow,” Gordon-Booth said. “I’m excited to see the impact.”

Communities have until June 1 to apply for grant funding. For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com.