120 Delmar Avenue/Suite / Salem, Illinois 62881-2006 / (618) 548-4234

Serving Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, and Marion Counties

Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP)

The federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) contains a requirement that each state set aside 10 percent of its Surface Transportation Program funds for projects that serve to "enhance" the local transportation system. The enhancement program allows the scope of local transportation projects to expand beyond the traditional accommodations for cars, trucks and transit. IDOT has been given flexibility to create a program that best suits its needs, within the limits of the law.

The goal of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) is to allocate resources to well-planned locally proposed projects that provide and support "alternate modes of transportation" and enhance the local transportation system through the preservation of visual and cultural resources while improving the quality of life for local residents.

Under ITEP, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) works jointly with other state agencies, local governments, interest groups and citizens in enhancing the transportation system and building even more livable communities. An emphasis upon public participation is encouraged throughout the entire program planning, development and implementation process.

The state’s FY-2000-2002 ITEP program has been announced and totals $84 million in funding representing some 86 enhancement projects. In total, ITEP grant applications were received from 304 eligible candidates totaling $326 million, featuring projects representing; Scenic/Historic Highways; Historic Preservation projects; Pedestrian/Bike Trails; Landscaping; Transportation Museums; and Outdoor Advertising Control.

Key Points about the Program:

  • Projects must enhance the transportation system by serving a transportation need or providing a transportation use or benefit.
  • Projects must have a local government or state agency sponsor.
  • This is a reimbursable program, which requires an interagency/joint funding agreement that details the project scope of work and cost participation. It is not a grant program.
  • Project sponsors must provide the matching funds, follow the appropriate federal and state guidelines, manage the project and maintain the project after completion.
  • Federally funded projects must follow all federal right-of-way and easement requirements regardless of whether enhancement funding is involved in the acquisition.

Examples of Projects utilizing Enhancement Funds that are completed or in process are:

  • Pedestrian/Bikeway in City of Effingham, connecting Conrail Rail Depot to Jefferson Avenue, including a pedestrian overpass.
  • Restoration of Old Depot in City of Flora.
  • Preliminary Engineering for restoration of Brick Streets in Vandalia.
  • A pedestrian overpass in the City of Effingham along Keller Drive over I-57/70.

 
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