IDOT Grant Programs

The Commission's professional staff has had the pleasure of assisting local governments within its five-county District in effective utilizing the funding provisions of the various economic development-oriented programs administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The region is served by IDOT's District 7 offices in Effingham, Illinois.

Economic Development Program

Under this state program, general purpose local governments within the five-county region are eligible to apply for grant funds which can be used to offset up to 50% of the total eligible cost of essential highway access improvements to serve new or expanding local industrial firms, distribution operations or major tourism developments which will quickly create (or at least retain) permanent, private sector local employment opportunities. Commercial and residential projects are not eligible for funding consideration.

State IDOT assistance under this program has traditionally been used by local governments to help finance eligible construction and design engineering and project inspection costs in concert with local Motor Fuel Tax (MFT), local road and bridge or other non-state resources provided by the applicant. In some cases, local governments can also agree to accept a transfer of jurisdiction and future maintenance responsibilities for a state-owned, unmarked roadway within their jurisdiction as a payment-in-kind toward developing their required project contribution.

Truck Access Route Program

Under this state program, general purpose local governments within the five-county region are eligible to apply for grant funds which can be used to offset the added expense of constructing or upgrading locally-owned roads (which a truck traffic generation point to a formally designated truck route) to accommodate 80,000 pound truck traffic. The local roads to be upgraded must lead to loading and unloading areas or to food, fuel, truck repair and driver rest areas, etc.

State financial assistance under this program can provide up to $30,000 per lane mile along with $15,000 per improved intersection to help construct local roadways to design standards which will meet the special needs of semi-traffic. IDOT funds have traditionally been used by local governments to help finance eligible project construction and design engineering and project inspection costs.

Rail Freight Program

Under this state program, general purpose local governments, railroad companies and local shippers within the five-county region are eligible to apply for low- interest state loan funds which can be used to help improve or retain rail freight service. IDOT wants to serve as a link between the interest local parties to foster rail freight facility improvements which will promote achievement of both local and state economic development objectives.

State low-interest loans (and occasional grant assistance) under this IDOT program has traditionally been used to support local projects which reflect the greatest potential for improving rail freight access to important markets and result in a measurable savings in transportation costs. IDOT gives preferential consideration to projects where the state's participation will leverage other public or private sector investments and result in a long-term solution to the area's rail freight needs.

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Americana Building Products Manufactures Awnings at its Salem, IL facility

Asgrow operates a seed conditioning plant South of Centralia. 

North America Lighting, Inc. in Flora, Illinois produces automotive lighting products.