Illinois Transportation Grants

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Planning Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for planning and due diligence activities aimed at preparing industrial and manufacturing sites for future development across all counties in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local public agencies in Illinois for improving safety at rail-highway crossings through various infrastructure enhancements and safety measures.

This program provides financial assistance to private intercity bus operators to enhance security measures and protect against terrorism, particularly in urban areas with high passenger traffic.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations associated with Illinois' seven nationally designated scenic byways for research and marketing initiatives that promote tourism and economic development along these scenic routes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments affected by the closure or reduced operation of the Zion Nuclear Plant, aimed at fostering economic development and addressing community impacts through various initiatives.

This funding is designated for the City of Belvidere, Illinois, to improve rail safety and traffic flow by constructing a grade separation at Appleton Road, eliminating dangerous at-grade crossings.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local governments in Illinois to help low-income individuals overcome transportation barriers and secure stable employment with large employers.

This program provides low-interest loans to communities, railroads, and shippers in Illinois to improve rail freight services and support economic development through strategic infrastructure investments.

This funding opportunity provides financial support exclusively to Chicago Gateway Green, a nonprofit organization, for beautifying and improving expressway corridors in Chicago.

This program provides funding to eligible public transit agencies in designated urban areas to improve security and resilience against terrorism and other threats through various protective measures and enhancements.

The State Planning and Research Program funds are federal funds for States' statewide planning and research activities. The funds are used to establish a cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive framework for making transportation investment decisions and to carryout transportation research activities throughout the State. Please note: when other CSFA program funds are used as a match (typically 1437), they will be awarded/recorded under the specific CSFA program such as this one. Matching funding totals should be reduced from the matching program and added to the specific program.

This program provides federal funding to eligible public agencies and certain private airport owners for projects that improve airport safety, capacity, and environmental sustainability across the nation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Greater St. Louis region for projects that improve transportation, safety, and access to services for seniors aged 55 and older.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to the City of Belvidere, Illinois, for essential improvements to its rail infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency in freight and passenger rail services.

This funding opportunity provides financial and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations that support small businesses in Region 4, helping them compete for transportation-related contracts and improve their operations.

The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), is a state-financed grant initiative designed to assist local government agencies in acquiring and/or developing land for public parks and open spaces. This program aligns with a mission to enhance community access to outdoor recreational opportunities and preserve natural resources throughout Illinois. The primary beneficiaries of the OSLAD grants are units of local government authorized to expend public funds for public outdoor park, recreation, or conservation purposes. This excludes school districts. The program aims to increase the availability of public parkland, improve existing recreational facilities, and protect natural areas. Expected outcomes include expanded park sites, renovated recreational facilities, and preserved natural resources, leading to improved quality of life and access to nature for Illinois residents. The program prioritizes both land acquisition and development/renovation projects. Acquisition projects focus on securing land for new park sites, park expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation. Development/renovation projects encompass a wide range of improvements, including picnic and playground facilities, outdoor nature interpretive facilities, sports courts and play fields, swimming pools, campgrounds, winter sports facilities, park roads, parking, utilities, and restrooms. Measurable results include the number of acres acquired for public use, the types and numbers of facilities developed or renovated, and the increase in public access points to natural areas. Funding is substantial, with up to $1,725,000.00 available for acquisition projects and a maximum of $600,000 for development/renovation projects, reflecting a strategic commitment to significant, impactful projects. While not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the program operates on the premise that investing in public outdoor spaces directly contributes to community well-being, environmental stewardship, and opportunities for recreation and education.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to qualified organizations in Illinois to deliver motorcycle safety training courses aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries among motorcyclists.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to private companies, site hosts, and local public agencies in Illinois for repairing or replacing non-operational electric vehicle chargers to enhance the state's EV charging network.

This funding program provides financial support for technical studies aimed at improving public and intermodal transportation planning in non-metropolitan areas of Illinois, specifically targeting local governments and transit agencies.

This program provides $9 million in funding exclusively to Amtrak for enhancing security measures to protect critical rail infrastructure and the traveling public from terrorist threats.