Priority Paths Grant Program

The Metro East Park and Recreation District Priority Paths Grant Program is a locally administered funding initiative established to support the development of regional trail infrastructure across Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. MEPRD, created by voter approval in 2000, is tasked with building and enhancing interconnected parks and trail systems throughout the region. This grant program reflects that mission by prioritizing the completion of critical trail gaps that connect existing segments into a cohesive, accessible network. The program is specifically designed to accelerate the development of high priority trail corridors identified as essential for regional connectivity. The core objective of the program is to fund the construction of complete, contiguous, non motorized Class I bikeways that meet AASHTO standards. These shared use paths must be at least ten feet wide, fully separated from vehicular traffic, striped, and compliant with ADA requirements. Projects must demonstrate the ability to connect existing regional trail systems and fulfill defined Priority Path Zone objectives in either Madison County or St. Clair County. While applicants may not have finalized alignments at the time of application, they must identify a preferred corridor that supports the program’s connectivity goals and demonstrate the capacity to complete the full corridor over time. Funding for the program totals three million dollars for the fiscal year, with individual awards covering up to forty percent of total project costs and capped at one million five hundred thousand dollars. The remaining sixty percent must be secured through other funding sources, including federal, state, local, or private contributions. Grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring applicants to incur and document eligible expenses prior to receiving payment. Engineering costs are subject to additional caps, and all expenditures must align with approved project scope and program guidelines. Eligibility for the program is limited primarily to the Madison County Transit District and the St. Clair County Transit District, corresponding to designated Red Zone and Green Zone trail priorities. If these entities decline to apply or fail to do so within the specified timeframe, other public agencies may become eligible provided they have full jurisdiction over the proposed corridor and accept all project responsibilities, including ownership, maintenance, and compliance obligations. Applicants must also demonstrate site control and ensure that funded facilities remain available for public recreational use for a minimum of twenty years. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning July fifteen two thousand twenty six and continuing through May thirty one two thousand twenty seven or until all funds are exhausted. The program operates on a first come, first served basis, and complete applications are reviewed in the order received. Submission requires two signed hard copies and one electronic version, along with detailed attachments including project scope, cost estimates, site plans, schedules, and documentation of matching funds. MEPRD reviews applications and provides funding decisions within approximately forty five days of board consideration. Award recipients must comply with extensive post award requirements, including execution of a project agreement, adherence to project milestones, and submission of quarterly progress reports. Projects must begin demonstrating progress within two years of award and continue advancing until completion, even if this extends over multiple years. Final reimbursement requires submission of a comprehensive completion report and financial documentation verifying compliance with funding requirements. The program emphasizes long term commitment to completing entire trail corridors and maintaining them for public use. For assistance or clarification, applicants may contact the Metro East Park and Recreation District directly via phone or email. MEPRD staff are available to help verify eligibility, review preliminary applications, and provide general guidance throughout the process. The program represents a strategic investment in regional infrastructure, promoting connectivity, recreation, and long term community development through coordinated trail expansion.

Ensure full corridor completion commitment; demonstrate funding match readiness; align project strictly with Priority Path Zone objectives; submit complete application early due to first come first served processing