On, Friday, April 7, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced projects selected for the 2023 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grants, including a walking and biking path in Galesburg.
The City of Galesburg has been awarded $655,560 in funding through the ITEP grant to construct a pedestrian and bike path along US 150, which will connect with the walking/biking path around Lake Storey. The grant received will cover 90% of the estimated project cost, with the city paying the remaining 10% of the project cost.
IDOT received 213 ITEP applications totaling $337 million for this round of funding, with 72 projects selected, totaling $127.9 million. The ITEP grant focuses on expanding alternative travel options, such as walking and biking paths, as well as enhancing the quality of life in Illinois communities.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the City of Galesburg to complete the walking and biking path around Lake Storey and expand alternative transportation options,” said City Manager Gerald Smith. “We are very thankful to have been selected and look forward to seeing the completion of this project.”
This is not the first time the City of Galesburg has been selected as the recipient of an ITEP Grant. In 2021, Galesburg was awarded $2 million to create a multi-use path along South Lake Storey Road. It is planned to begin constructing that section of the new path later this year.
There is an existing path on the north side of Lake Storey. The 2021 ITEP grant allowed for the extension of that walking and biking path to wrap around to the south side of Lake Storey, as illustrated in the attached map. This most recent award allows for the construction of the walking and biking path on City property west of US 150, to complete the entire loop around Lake Storey.
Construction of the multi-use path will enhance the local quality of life, providing a walking and biking trail around scenic Lake Storey. When this final portion of the project is completed, the path will provide a continuous recreational walking and biking path loop of 4.4 miles. It will also allow for safe, accessible alternative pathways for citizens to walk or bike to destinations in that area, including Lake Storey Park, Carl Sandburg Community College, Allison Campground, Lakeside Water Park & Recreation Facility, and Lake Storey Pavilion.
“There are many positive things happening in our community,” said Mayor Peter Schwartzman. “The City is thrilled to have been selected for this ITEP Grant to expand our walking and biking trail. On the same day of this grant announcement, the state also announced recipients of the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grants, which included an award of $478,414 to the National Railroad Hall of Fame for construction of the National Railroad Hall of Fame in Galesburg. We are proud and excited to see the many great projects underway in our community.”
Lake Storey Park is located on the northwest side of Galesburg and offers many amenities, including boating, fishing, beach, playground, and walking/biking trails. Additional city facilities located around Lake Storey include the Lake Storey Pavilion, Allison Campground, Lakeside Recreational Facility, Lakeside Nature Center, and Lakeside Waterpark. Increasing safe walking and biking access to this area of the community expands opportunities for various modes of transportation to Carl Sandburg College, and a plethora of recreational opportunities and facilities.
More information on ITEP and the grant recipients selected for 2023 can be found on the State of Illinois website.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
