Pritzker Announces $413K Transportation Grant To Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Thursday that a third $250 million installment is being made to counties, municipalities and townships to address their transportation needs as part of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Oswego is slated to receive $413,138.

The funding ensures the continued investment in local infrastructure to improve safety, enhance quality of life and help sustain the economy across the state by rebuilding Illinois communities and putting people to work, according to a release.

"While I'm proud of the transformation of our interstate highways Rebuild Illinois is rebuilding, its local projects that are rejuvenating our communities in ways our people deserve – that's why Rebuild Illinois set aside $1.5 billion for municipal and county projects," Pritzker said.

He said the funding from Rebuild Illinois allows local governments to reallocate money for other parts of the community. With the strain on local budgets because of the pandemic, that means critical savings for local governments and taxpayers, according to Pritzker.

A total of $1.5 billion spread out in six installments is being invested over three years to advance municipal, township and county projects across the state. Projects, which will be selected and managed locally with financial oversight by IDOT, include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs.

A complete list of local agencies and awards can be viewed here.

The funding is in addition to the regular contributions through the state’s motor fuel tax formula, which already account for $567 million to local governments in this fiscal year alone.

"Because of the governor’s leadership and the vision of the General Assembly, Rebuild Illinois has provided a much-needed boost to our local government partners during these challenging times,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "The responsibility of being the country’s transportation hub means having safe, reliable infrastructure in our cities, neighborhoods and rural areas – this funding will go a long way toward meeting that goal."

As part of its current FY2021-26 Proposed Highway Improvement Program, IDOT is investing a total of $21.3 billion to improve roads and bridges. Of that, $4.7 billion is identified for the local transportation system.