CHAMPAIGN – Thanks to efforts from State Senator Paul Faraci, over $4.9 million in state funding is heading to Champaign, Savoy and Rantoul to build safer sidewalks, bike lanes and shared-use paths as part of Illinois’ ongoing push to modernize transportation and improve local infrastructure.

“This is about building smarter, safer communities where people can move freely and feel good doing it,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “From students walking to school to families out for a bike ride, these projects are investments in the way residents live day-to-day.”  

Faraci announced three projects in Champaign County are among 66 statewide improvements receiving support totaling $139.2 million through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program – a flagship initiative of the state’s Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan aimed at modernizing local transportation systems and making communities more accessible and connected.

Champaign is set to receive $3 million for the Kirby Avenue Complete Street Project, adding 2,220 feet of new sidewalks and bike lanes over a newly constructed bridge – making the area more available for pedestrians and cyclists. Savoy will benefit from $1,285,770 to fund the Prairie Fields Shared Use Path, creating a 10-foot-wide off-road path to connect neighbors and improve mobility of the community. Rantoul will receive $636,950 for the Pleasant Acres Neighborhood Sidewalks Connection Project, which will build 1,850 feet of new sidewalks near Gates Drive, Eater Drive and Harper Drive, improving safety and convenience for residents.

“When people think about where they want to raise their families, it’s projects like these that really move the needle,” said Faraci. “When communities have complete streets, sidewalks and bike paths, they become places people want to live.”

A complete list of ITEP recipients can be found here.