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FEATURE ARTICLE A Guide to Bike Trail Grants in Illinois by Craig Williams and Rae Casale
Most will agree that bike trails are wonderful additions to a community. Yet, like any capital improvement, they aren't free. Fortunately, there are numerous sources of funding for these kinds of improvements. Agencies should be aware that the grant application process and the planning and designing process vary widely for different programs. This article will guide applicants through the three most popular sources, namely the Bike Path Grant Program, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. We will also provide information on other lesser-known funding sources. You should realize that just as every grant application process is unique, so is every project. For example, with longer bikeways, an agency may have several partners that have jurisdiction over different segments of the trail and with which the agency may need to (and should) cooperate. Perhaps more importantly, however, is that certain projects are more appropriate for particular funding sources. And, certain funding sources are more appropriate (or cash-friendly) for some agencies and their respective budgetary strengths. For example, agencies especially need to be aware of the cash flow requirements necessary to support larger projects. It's great to think that the local share of a $500,000 project might only be $50,000 (assume 80 percent Illinois Department of Transportation and 10 percent Illinois Department of Natural Resources), but it's another thing to ask your board to support the month-to-month costs of engineering and then constructing your project. Some of the pizzazz evaporates when you get into the realities of the local share or actual cash flow (see the sidebar on page 63). September/October/November 2003 | 61 A GUIDE TO BIKE TRAIL GRANTS IN ILLINOIS
Bike Path Grant Program Park districts generally are most familiar with programs administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. IDNR's Bike Path Grant Program was developed in the early 1990s by then Secretary of State Jim Edgar. It is supported by a portion of the tax imposed on the disposal of used tires. Administered by: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Directed intent of program / Where bikes fit: Provides funding assistance for the acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public, non-motorized bicycle paths and related facilities. Funds annually available: In recent years, the program has provided approximately $3 to $5 million each year to local agencies for bike path engineering and construction. A similar amount is set aside for IDNR to support path construction and maintenance on IDNR lands, such as the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail and the Rock Island State Trail. Funding limits / Local share: The program can provide up to 50 percent of approved project costs, with a maximum award of $200,000 for development projects, but no maximum for land acquisition. Value of donated land may be used as a local match. Eligible bicycle elements: Eligible project costs include: Linear corridor land acquisition costs, including associated appraisal fees; bicycle path development or renovation, including site clearing, grading, drainage, surfacing, bridging, fencing, signage; and directly related support facilities such as potable water and restroom facilities. Who can sponsor: Local governments, park districts, conservation districts, forest preserve districts and state agencies Application due date: March 1 each year Statewide availability: Yes How projects are evaluated: Projects are evaluated on a competitive basis according to established trail objectives and priorities. These include development of connector paths and trail systems, projects identified in plans, facilities in high-demand areas, projects having minimal adverse environmental and social effects, projects offering diverse scenic and recreational experiences and projects with long-term maintenance plans. Funds are awarded on the basis of a review and prioritization of project applications. The director of the IDNR, in consultation with staff and the Illinois Natural Resources Advisory Board and the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, review and approve grant applications. Implementation caveats: Related architectural and engineering costs of not more than 15 percent of total project costs are eligible for reimbursement. Who pays the bills: Engineering and construction costs are paid by the locals and reimbursed by IDNR. 62 | Illinois Parks and Recreation A GUIDE TO BIKE TRAIL GRANTS IN ILLINOIS Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) In 1991, the federal transportation legislation, dubbed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, created a new category for nontraditional transportation improvements called Transportation Enhancements. This program was so popular around the nation that it was renewed under the subsequent bill (the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century or TEA-21) in 1997. This bill expires in 2003. Successor legislation was under consideration by Congress at press time. Administered by: Illinois Department of Transportation, Office of Planning and Programming Directed intent of program: The stated goal is "to allocate resources to well-planned projects that provide and support alternate modes of transportation, enhance the transportation system through preservation of visual and cultural resources and improve the quality of life for members of the communities. The enhancement program allows the scope of transportation projects to expand beyond the traditional accommodations for cars, trucks and transit." Where bikes fit: Bicycle and pedestrian facility projects should be transportation-related. By providing access to workplaces, businesses, schools, universities and shopping centers, communities have an alternative mode of transportation. Funds annually available: Approximately $25 million each year has been available for a variety of projects; bikeway projects compete with other eligible projects. Note, however, that all funds are earmarked through 2003. The program is expected to be renewed in 2004. Funding limits / Local share: The program provides reimbursement of up to 50 percent for right-of-way and easement acquisition costs and up to 80 percent for preliminary engineering, utility relocations, construction engineering and construction costs. Eligible bicycle elements: • Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles • Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists • Preservation of abandoned railway corridors for the conversion and use thereof for pedestrian and bicycle trails • Rehabilitation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities (including historic railroad bridges for use by bicycles and pedestrians) Project elements eligible for funding as part of pedestrian/bicycle projects or as stand-alone projects include bikeways (lane, path, route and trail), pedestrian/bicycle structures crossing rivers, railroads and roads, pedestrian crossings, bikeway connections through communities, and bicycle lockers/racks at transit stations. Who can sponsor: Local governments or state agencies Application due date: Funds from TEA-21 (the 1997 transportation bill) have been earmarked. The next transportation bill may be authorized in 2003, after which the new program and submittal dates will be announced, assuming Congress continues enhancement funding. Statewide availability: Yes How projects are evaluated: Projects are judged on their ability to provide alternate means of transportation. Implementation caveats: The process is significantly more cumbersome than the IDNR programs, primarily because of rules associated with the use of federal transportation funds. Who pays the bills: The locals pay engineering costs and the state's share of 80 percent is then reimbursed by IDOT. Because IDOT generally advertises and administers these projects, the state's share of the construction bills generally are paid directly by IDOT and the locals
September/October/November 2003 | 63 A GUIDE TO BIKE TRAIL GRANTS IN ILLINOIS reimburse IDOT for their 20 percent share. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) The federal transportation bills ISTEA and TEA-21 created a significant setaside of funds for projects that mitigate (vehicular) congestion or improve air quality. Administered by: The Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS) administers the grant process and individual applications are reviewed and ranked according to technical trip reduction criteria. Once approved, projects are administered by IDOT. Directed intent of program / Where bikes fit: CMAQ offers funding for a variety of transportation projects and specifically includes bike and pedestrian facility projects that reduce travel by automobile. As such, many or most recreational facilities do not make good CMAQ project candidates unless they parallel a major highway. Bike parking projects also are candidates if they create or increase the availability of parking facilities for bicycles and promote the use of bicycles, thereby eliminating auto trips. Funds annually available: In the northeastern Illinois area, the annual allocation for bicycle projects has been $5 to $7 million over the past several years. Funding limits / Local share: CMAQ provides up to 80 percent of funding for transportation projects. There are no funding caps. Eligible bicycle elements: Engineering and construction for linear bikeways and related components, including bicycle parking Who can sponsor: Local governments or state agencies Application due dates: Submittals generally are due to CATS February or March 1 of each year. Statewide availability: CMAQ funds only are available in areas of the state that do not meet national air quality standards. Therefore, this program only is available in the Chicago area and the St. Louis area. How projects are evaluated: On their ability to reduce vehicle emissions or to reduce automobile trips Implementation caveats: The process is significantly more cumbersome than the IDNR programs, primarily because of rules associated with the use of federal transportation funds. Who pays the bills: The locals pay engineering costs and the state's share of 80 percent is then reimbursed by IDOT. Because IDOT generally advertises and administers these projects, the state's share of the construction bills are generally paid directly by IDOT and the locals reimburse IDOT for their 20 percent share.
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) The federal transportation bills ISTEA and TEA-21 created set-aside funds for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trails. Administered by: Illinois Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with Illinois Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration Directed intent of program: Provides assistance for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of both motorized and non-motorized recreation trails Where bikes fit: Currently IDNR places the highest priority use of the non-motorized trail portion of RTF funding to assist with the following activities, since no other trail funding source currently exists for these activities: equestrian, hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and water trail projects. In addition, IDNR prioritizes projects that promote the development and enhancement of the American Discovery Trail and the Grand Illinois Trail. Funds annually available: Approximately $1 million has typically been available each fiscal year. Funding limits / Local share: RTP provides up to 80 percent of funding and annually accepts grant applications, typically due March 1. Eligible bicycle elements: Engineering and construction for trails and amenities including trailhead parking, rehabilitation and signage. Note that this is one of the few programs that can provide funds for trail rehabilitation. Who can sponsor: Local governments, state agencies or not-for-profit organizations Application due date: March 1 Statewide availability: Yes How projects are evaluated: Projects are evaluated on a competitive basis according to established trail objectives and priorities including: connector paths, the development of trail systems, projects identified in plans, facilities in high-demand areas, projects having minimal adverse environmental and social effects, projects offering diverse scenic and recreational experiences and projects with long-term maintenance plans. Projects also are evaluated on their consistency with state, regional and local trail plans, diversity of trail users, number of trail users, trail length and public support. Implementation caveats: The process is similar to the IDNR Bike Path Grant Program. Who pays the bills: Engineering and construction costs are paid by the locals and reimbursed by IDNR. Open Lands Trust (OLT) The Illinois Open Lands Trust Act was enacted in 1999 as a "key component 64 | Illinois Parks and Recreation A GUIDE TO BIKE TRAIL GRANTS IN ILLINOIS of the Illinois Tomorrow initiative to enhance the quality of life in Illinois and progressively move the state into the 21st Century." This legislation established the OLT Program, which dedicates up to $160 million over a four-year period (beginning with $40 million in Fiscal Year 2000) for the acquisition and preservation of additional lands for public open space and conservation purposes to benefit future generations. Administered by: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Directed intent of program / Where bikes fit: The Open Lands Trust program has a portion of funds available to provide grant assistance for the acquisition of land from willing sellers for public conservation, open space and natural resource-related recreation purposes, which includes non-motorized trail use. Funds annually available: For FY04, reauthorization of funding and continuation of program is undetermined. Funding limits / Local share: The program provides financial assistance up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, or 90 percent for agencies qualifying as "economically disadvantaged" (per IDNR's guidelines). Eligible bicycle elements: The following land acquisition related costs are eligible for cost sharing: • property costs based on the approved fair market value, with some exceptions; • surplus school property, based on the actual purchase price or the fair market value, whichever is less; • necessary appraisal fees, up to a $4,000 maximum per appraisal; and • land survey costs and necessary archaeological reconnaissance survey work, if required. Who can sponsor: Any unit of local government with statutory authority to acquire, develop and maintain lands for public outdoor, natural resource-related recreation purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, counties, municipalities, park districts, conservation districts and forest preserve districts. Application due date: Applications are normally due in September Statewide availability: Yes How projects are evaluated: Projects are evaluated in terms of their ability to address natural resource-related recreation and conservation purposes. Please refer to criteria listed under the IDNR's Bike Path Grant Program. Implementation caveats: The maximum grant award for any single project is $2 million annually. Who pays the bills: Land acquisition, engineering and construction costs are paid by the locals and reimbursed by IDNR. Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) The Grade Crossing Protection Fund is generated from motor fuel tax funds to help pay for the cost of highway and rail grade crossing signal improvements and construction or reconstruction of bridges (highways over railroads or railroads over highways) where railroads cross a county, township, road district, or municipal highway, road or street. Several years ago, the General Assembly expanded the language of the GCPF to include independent pedestrian and bicycle grade crossing improvements. Administered by: Illinois Commerce Commission Where bikes fit: Safety improvements for trail and bikeway crossings of railroads Funds annually available: $27 million available each year for the entire program (including highways and pedestrian structures) Funding limits / Local share: The fund normally pays 85 percent of the cost for grade crossing signal improvements, with the local highway agency responsible for 10 percent of the cost and the railroad responsible for the remaining 5 percent plus all costs associated with operation and maintenance of the new signal equipment. The fund also pays up to 60 percent of the cost of bridges. Local agencies are responsible for the remainder. Eligible bicycle elements: The Grade Crossing Protection Fund provides funding for pedestrian crossing improvements including items such as signalization and crossing surface improvements for at-grade crossings or pedestrian overpasses or underpasses. Who can sponsor: Local governments or state agencies Application due date: Applications accepted year-round, but they are only evaluated once a year, in January. Statewide availability: Yes How projects are evaluated: Applications are primarily evaluated on two criteria: the crash prediction value of each crossing and overall statewide geographic distribution based on safety needs. Applications are available on the ICC Web site and should provide ample justification and describe the unique circumstances concerning the proposed improvement. As a part of the application, a cost estimation, a feasibility or preliminary design report for a new structure, a bridge condition report for an existing structure and any preliminary engineering or planning studies are required. Implementation caveats: None noted Who pays the bills: Engineering and construction costs are paid by the locals and reimbursed by the ICC. Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program and Land and Waterway Conservation Fund This program essentially combines a state program with a federal program and is financed by a percentage of the state's real estate transfer tax and the federal Land and Waterway Conservation Fund (commonly referred to as LAWCON). Administered by: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Directed intent of program: Acquisition and/or development of September/October/November 2003 | 65 A GUIDE TO BIKE TRAIL GRANTS IN ILLINOIS land for public parks and open space Where bikes fit: Acquisition of land for new park sites or park expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation, including the development of bike paths Annual funds typically available: $20 million annually Funding limits / Local share: Under the OSLAD program, funding assistance is available for up to 50 percent of approved project costs. Counties with populations exceeding two million residents are eligible for up to $1.15 million annually; municipalities with populations exceeding two million residents are eligible for up to $2.3 million annually. Maximum grant funding for all other types of jurisdictions is limited to $750,000 for acquisition projects and $400,000 for development/renovation projects. Eligible bicycle elements: Bicycle facilities must be developed in conjunction with a park or open space. Any land acquired must be open to the public in perpetuity. Who can sponsor: Only those local government agencies having statutory authority to acquire and develop land for public park purposes are eligible to apply for and receive assistance under the OSLAD grant program. Application due date: July 1 each year Statewide Availability Yes How projects are evaluated: Applications are evaluated and prioritized for funding assistance based upon recreation priorities and criteria identified in IDNR's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is available by calling the IDNR. Implementation caveats: IDNR rules and regulations, typical to other IDNR programs, must be followed. In addition, lands acquired and/or developed with OSLAD funds must be operated and maintained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation. Who pays the bills: Costs are paid by the locals and reimbursed by the IDNR. Access to Transit Capital Improvement Program The Access to Transit Program is part of IDOT's Five-Year Highway Improvement Program. Administered by: Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Public Transportation Directed intent of program: The program's goal is to improve multi-modal access to mass transit. Where bikes fit: Access improvements to mass transit facilities Funds annually available: Approximately $3.5 million is allocated annually Funding limits / Local share: No local share of matching funds is required. Eligible bicycle elements: Access to Transit provides funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities that improve access to commuter stations and bus routes. These activities may include the installation of sidewalks along bus routes or paths leading directly to commuter stations. Transit usage is critical. Who can sponsor: Municipalities, counties, mass transit districts, mass transit carriers and state agencies. Application due date: Letters of interest are accepted throughout the year. Once IDOT approves the project scope and budget, it will require a formal application. Statewide availability: Only the northeastern Illinois area (Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, McHenry and Lake Counties) is eligible. How projects are evaluated: Projects are primarily evaluated in terms of their ability to improve multiple modes of transportation access (train, bus, auto, bike and pedestrian access). Other determining criteria are improvement to safety and cost-effectiveness. Implementation caveats: Since no federal funds are involved, sponsors must follow state rules and regulations. Generally, these rules are far less stringent than the other programs administered by IDOT (ITEP and CMAQ). Also, IDOT prioritizes projects that utilize Access to Transit funds to match other funding sources, such as CMAQ or ITEP funding. Who pays the bills: Engineering and construction costs are paid by the locals and reimbursed by IDOT. Surface Transportation Program - Urban Program (STP-U) The federal transportation bills ISTEA and TEA-21 allowed urban areas to devote portions of their Surface Transportation Program (STP) allocation to pay for bicycle facilities. Communities may take advantage of this funding by working with their Council of Mayors and urban areas (eligibility varies with each Mayoral Council and urban area). Administered by: Illinois Department of Transportation, through the Council of Mayors and urban areas Directed intent of program / Where bikes fit: STP-U offers funding for bicycle facilities primarily by allowing communities to use portions of their STP funding to pay for the construction of bicycle paths, bicycle bridges or bicycle lanes. Funds annually available: In the northeastern Illinois area, the annual allocation for bicycle projects will vary by Mayoral Council and urban area. Funding limits / Local share: STP-U funding provides up to 80 percent of funding for transportation projects and annually accepts grant applications, which are typically due in early spring. Eligible bicycle elements: Engineering and construction for linear bikeways and related components, including bicycle parking Who can sponsor: Local government or state agencies Application due dates: Submittals are generally due to Council of Mayors staff in early spring. Statewide availability: Yes, but only in urban areas. Communities in rural areas may use STP-Rural funds instead. 66 | Illinois Parks and Recreation A GUIDE TO BIKE TRAIL GRANTS IN ILLINOIS How projects are evaluated: Ability to improve transportation throughout the urban area Implementation caveats: The process is significantly more cumbersome than the IDNR programs, primarily because of rules associated with the use of federal transportation funds. Who pays the bills: Engineering costs are paid by the locals and reimbursed by IDOT. Because IDOT generally advertises and administers these projects, the state's share of the construction bills are generally paid directly by IDOT and the locals reimburse IDOT for their share. Illinois Tomorrow Corridor Planning Grant Program The Corridor Planning Grant Program is a five-year, $15 million grant program for local governments in urbanized areas. The goals of the program are to promote land use and transportation options to reduce the growth of traffic congestion; connect infrastructure and development decisions; promote balanced economic development to reduce infrastructure costs; and promote intergovernmental cooperation. Administered by: Illinois Department of Transportation Where bikes fit: The program encourages the development of plans for future growth that will protect and improve the quality of life. Funds annually available: Approximately $3 million Funding limits / Local share: All grants require that the grantees provide 10 percent of the total project funding. Eligible bicycle elements: Examples of projects that qualify include: • Creation of transit oriented/mixed-use development plans to increase transportation options, improve walkability and enhance access to transit; and • Creation of multi-community corridor plans to develop efficient transportation facilities and land uses, such as the development of bicycle plans and studies are eligible activities. Who can sponsor: Municipalities, counties and partnerships involving local governments in urbanized areas will be eligible recipients. Innovative intergovernmental, public-private and nontraditional partnerships are encouraged. However, grant recipients must be a county or municipality. Application due date: Applications for a fiscal year are generally due in May or June of the prior calendar year. Statewide availability: Yes, since the focus of the program is to promote balanced growth in urbanized areas, municipalities and counties in the twelve urbanized areas listed below are eligible to receive grants under this program: • Bloomington-Normal • Champaign-Urbana • Decatur • East Dubuque • Kankakee • Northeastern Illinois • Peoria • Quad Cities • Rockford • South Beloit • Springfield • St. Louis Metro-East Area Contacts for Further Information for more information and grant application materials
Craig Williams or Rae Casale
Illinois Association of Park Districts
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS)
Illinois Department of Transportation
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)
Illinois Tomorrow Corridor Planning Grant Program
General Assembly Member Initiatives
September/October/November |2003 A GUIDE TO BIKE TRAIL GRANTS IN ILLINOIS How projects are evaluated: Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate effective integration of land use plans, development decisions and infrastructure investments. More specifically, projects will be evaluated based on how the proposed study addresses the following goals: • Preservation of open space • Congestion relief • Cooperative inter-jurisdictional relationships • Balanced economic development policies • Contiguous and infill development or redevelopment • Development in areas with existing transportation and utility infrastructure • Development in areas with available housing • Enhancement of travel choices • Creation of public-private coalitions • Collaboration among local governments, the development industry, labor, public interest and environmental organizations • Minimization of infrastructure cost to taxpayers Implementation caveats: Funding will be available for planning activities only. Engineering and construction costs are not eligible. Who pays the bills: Costs are paid by the locals and reimbursed by IDOT. Craig Williams is a senior principal planner for Edwards and Kelcey, specializing in bikeway and trail planning and design. Prior to joining Edwards and Kelcey in 2000, Williams was the bikeway coordinator for the last nine of his 23-year career at the Illinois Department of Transportation. He is a cycling enthusiast and continues to be active in various bicycle-related organizations, currently serving on the boards of the League of Illinois Bicyclists, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the Illinois Trails Conservancy. At the national level, Williams was a founding board member of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. Rae Casale is a senior project planner with Edwards and Kelcey. He is involved with bikeway and trail planning. Prior to joining Edwards and Kelcey in 2001, Casale was involved with bicycle planning and various funding programs with previous positions at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Village of Schaumburg and with the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Public Transportation. Need more copies of this article? Reprints of this article can be generated as needed. Call the editor of Illinois parks & Recreation at 217/523-4554 for current pricing. Quantity discounts will be available. 68| Illinois Parks ond Recreation |
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