IL Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP)

The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), is designed to support smaller-scale transportation projects that provide connected alternative modes of transportation, preserve visual and cultural resources, and enhance quality of life in communities. These guidelines assist potential applicants and sponsors in understanding ITEP’s purpose, eligibility criteria, project requirements, and application process. The program operates on a bi-annual competitive cycle, typically opening in late summer of even-numbered years. All applications must be submitted online and adhere strictly to posted timelines. ITEP funding is drawn from both federal and state sources. The federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside) provides up to 80 percent reimbursement for most project costs, while the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program designates $50 million specifically for pedestrian, bicycle, and rail-trail conversion projects. Projects must be sponsored by an eligible entity with taxing authority or be an eligible nonprofit, educational, or governmental organization able to meet federal and state grant requirements. Matching funds are required unless a sponsor qualifies for assistance based on a Community Score, which assesses local economic need. Eligible projects fall into categories such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, rail-trail conversions, streetscapes (when linked to transportation improvements), historic transportation facility preservation, vegetation management in transportation rights-of-way, archaeological activities tied to transportation impacts, stormwater management related to highways, wildlife connectivity measures, and the construction of scenic turnouts and overlooks. Ineligible activities include routine maintenance, recreation-based trails, parking improvements, and projects primarily supporting private interests or operations. Applicants must register with the System Award Management (SAM) system and, if applicable, the Grant Accountability & Transparency Act (GATA) portal. Applications must include a Community Score, detailed project description, cost estimates, project status, maintenance plan, and required attachments such as financial resolutions and location maps. Optional attachments like letters of support and photos are encouraged. The evaluation process is merit-based, with review criteria including project intent, connectivity, public benefit, safety improvements, sponsor capacity, readiness, and past performance. Selected projects undergo further review and approval by the Secretary of Transportation and Governor before official award notifications are issued. Following award notification, sponsors must coordinate a mandatory kick-off meeting with the District ITEP Coordinator within eight weeks, provide a milestone schedule, and enter into agreements with IDOT for each phase of the project. Sponsors are responsible for all aspects of project execution, compliance with federal and state requirements, and long-term maintenance of completed projects. For additional information or assistance, applicants can contact IDOT at DOT.ITEP@illinois.gov or reach out to their designated District ITEP Coordinator as listed in the guidelines.

Clearly align project with eligible categories; ensure Community Score and project map match; contact District Coordinator early; follow ADA and federal guidelines.