JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced today that her advocacy efforts have led to the successful awarding of $10.6 million in grants to fund improvements to the DuPage River Greenway Trail, Renwick Road Multi-Use Path and Romeoville Route 53 corridor. The grants were awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Infrastructure that is used daily by the public needs to be maintained and updated so we can continue to rely on it,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These dollars will provide the critical resources needed to make our community’s trails, roads and paths safer and more accessible for all.”

Four projects within District 43 are among the 66 projects approved through ITEP, which will fund bike and pedestrian paths and trails, streetscape beautification and other improvements designed to encourage safe travel across various modes of transportation at the local level.

Two grants were awarded to the Forest Preserve District of Will County for the DuPage River Greenway Trail, including $2.9 million for the construction of the north-south trail and $1.64 million for Weber Road improvements. Both projects will be focused on constructing two paved off-street multi-use trails, a pedestrian bridge and an elevated boardwalk, which will improve accessibility for residents.

“The ITEP funding for these projects shows immense support for the Forest Preserve and is a vital investment in the future of these trails — helping to strengthen connections between communities and nature across Will County,” said Destinee Ortiz, Forest Preserve District of Will County board president.

“The Forest Preserve is elated to receive notification of an ITEP funding award for two significant Will County trail initiatives: the DuPage River Greenway Trail – Weber Road improvements and the Wolf’s Crossing Road Trail Connection,” said Colleen Novander, Forest Preserve District of Will County’s director of planning and land preservation. “These projects exemplify the power of collaboration in identifying and addressing critical gaps in our regional trail system.”

The Village of Romeoville received two grants, including $3 million for the Renwick Road Multi-Use Path, which will cover the construction of the 1.8-mile asphalt multi-use path. Route 53 in Romeoville will see a $2.9 million investment for corridor and streetscape improvements, including the construction of a multi-use path.

Projects were awarded based on their readiness, connection to transportation networks and other economic drivers, as well as their ability to secure public support and provide public benefits.

Click here for a complete list of recipients.