Three Area Communities Receive Transportation Grant Funds

Three area communities are each receiving around $1 million in state grant funds for transportation projects.

These aren't the transportation projects you might first imagine.

The Illinois Department of Transportation awarded $30.7 million statewide to expand travel options. The 33 projects include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification work and other projects designed to encourage safe travel.

The City of Effingham was granted $934,400 for pavement marking and signage for bike paths around town. To receive funds, applicants must commit a local match of at least 20% to their project and demonstrate a plan to have their awards spent by 2019.

The City of Newton received $1,056,000 for Phase Four of their Eagle Trails project.

The Village of Dieterich received $1,023,010 for more downtown enhancements to compliment earlier projects.