Sheet 7: Funding Sources for Trails and Bikeways

Federal
The 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) continues the funding provisions for trails and bikeways that were established under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. TEA-21 transportation funds for bike trails and bikeways are limited to projects with transportation significance and fund up to 80% of the project cost. The major TEA-21 funding programs include the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvements Program, the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP, or "Enhancements"). Please contact Michelle Dick of DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference at (630)571-0480 for further information on federal programs.

Be aware that compliance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards and Illinois Department of Transportation bike facility policies is required in order to use federal funds in Illinois. These standards may significantly impact upon the project's cost. In addition, the complex nature of the approval process may substantially extend the anticipated time frame for implementation. The Recreational Trails Program (formerly Symms) provides support for purely recreation paths. For more information please contact Ron Hallberg of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at (217)782-7481.

State
Illinois Department of Natural Resources has a Bicycle Path Grant Program that provides funding for bike paths and recreational trails. For more information please contact Ron Hallberg of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at (217)782-7481.

Local
A number of communities have funded their bike trail projects locally or in partnership with other jurisdictions or taxing districts.

Local funding sources for bike trails (suitable as stand-alone funding sources, or as local match contributions to federally-funded projects) include State and local motor fuel tax (MFT), local general revenue tax funds, federal funds not included in TEA-21, nonprofit organization funds, private or corporate funds.