ROCKFORD – To enhance much-needed transportation improvements, State Senator Steve Stadelman joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in announcing funds for 20 organizations to support their planning and developing efforts, including over $156,000 for Rockford’s developmental  projects.

“Investing in transportation research studies allows Rockford to continue to grow economically,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “It is necessary before breaking ground on transportation projects that will benefit our region in the long run.”

Administered by IDOT using $7.5 million in federal funds, the grants are designed to advance the objectives of the agency’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Among the criteria considered were projects that implement asset-management strategies and performance-based planning and programming, as well as activities that grow and support economically distressed areas.

Applicants included local and state agencies, universities, metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions. Region 1 Planning Organization, a special-purpose, regional government agency providing cross-jurisdictional, government-to-government collaborative planning across Northern Illinois in Stadelman’s district, will receive $156,683 in funds.

“We at IDOT are thrilled to join with these communities to help them forge a more robust, inclusive and safe transportation system for the future,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “At IDOT, under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, planning is at the core of everything we do. These grants will further those efforts with our local partners and support areas of Illinois where help is needed the most and can do the most good.”

For the full list of awards and breakdown of funding sources, visit IDOT’s planning page.