Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Short Description
IDOT has several programs that provide state assistance in improving highway and rail access improvements to new or expanding industrial, distribution or tourism developments. The focus of these programs is the retention and creation of Illinois jobs. Funding may be available for transportation improvement projects related to facilities that provide direct access to economic development projects. Projects providing access to retail establishments, office parks, government facilities or school/universities are not eligible. To view IDOT programs please click on the links below.

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Description

IDOT Economic Development Program (EDP) - Administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the EDP program is designed to provide state assistance to local governments for highway improvements and access to new or expanding industrial distribution and tourism development projects. The state may provide up to 50 percent matching (grant) funds to local governments for eligible public roadway related construction and engineering items. Projects involving private roadways, retail development, office parks, government facilities, and school/universities are not eligible for funding.

IDOT Rail Freight Program (RFP) - Administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the RFP program is designed to provide capital assistance to communities, railroads and shippers to preserve and improve rail freight service in Illinois. The primary role of the program is to facilitate investments in rail service by serving as a link between interested parties and channeling government funds to projects that achieve statewide economic development. IDOT will generally provide low interest loans to finance rail improvements and, in some cases, provide grants. The focus is on projects with the greatest potential for improving access to markets and maintaining transportation cost savings, and where state participation will leverage private investments to foster permanent solutions to rail service problems. A benefit/cost ratio is used to evaluate potential rail freight projects.

IDOT Truck Access Route Program (TARP) - Administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the TARP program can provide grants to local government agencies to assist them in upgrading roads to accommodate 80,000-pound trucks. The routes are to provide access to points of loading and unloading and to facilities for food, fuel, truck repair, and driver rest. Projects must connect to a truck route and end at another truck route or truck generator. IDOT will provide up to $30,000 per lane mile and $15,000 per intersection. The states participation will not exceed 50 percent of the total construction cost or $600,000 whichever is less. Each fall IDOT solicits local projects that can be constructed during the upcoming fiscal year.