Governor Quinn has announced funding recipients for the 2011 Illinois Safe Routes to Schools program.   The northeastern Illinois region received a total of $8.91 million, out of a state program of $21.17 million.  Approximately $7.9 million is for infrastructure projects, and $1.02 million is designated for non-infrastructure projects. For an analysis of the awards in northeastern Illinois by county and by City of Chicago, visit the CMAP bicycle and pedestrian webpage.

Among the communities successful in obtaining funding are six of the eight communities in which CMAP organized day-long SRTS workshops during the pre-application period (autumn of 2010).  These six communities (Elmhurst, North Aurora, Winfield, Orland Park, Batavia, and Steger) received funding for ten projects – four infrastructure projects and six non-infrastructure projects – totaling $663,170 in federal funds.

The region’s infrastructure project awards also include $75,504 for a sidewalk in the Fairmont community of Will County.  Last year, CMAP’s FLIP program helped to promote this project by working with local students and leaders to explore ways to increase walking to school and pedestrian safety.  CMAP continues its engagement with Fairmont through a Local Technical Assistance (LTA) project to complete the community’s first neighborhood plan.