NW Illinois News

Li Arellano, Illinois State Senator for District 37, announced that his district will receive more than $3 million for bike and pedestrian path improvements in Walnut and Mendota.

"Exciting news for our communities," said Arellano, State Senator 37th District (R), according to Facebook. "I'm proud to share that nearly $3.34 million in state funding is coming to the 37th District through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) to support safer, more accessible bike and pedestrian paths."

According to the awarded projects list, the City of Mendota will receive $3 million to construct a 1.9-mile, 10-foot-wide concrete shared-use path for bicycles and pedestrians. This path will stretch from north of the Amtrak depot to Lake Kakusha and Mendota High School. The Village of Walnut is set to receive $357,144 to replace two separate sidewalks and bike paths with a single 10-foot-wide multi-use path along the east side of Main Street, from 200 feet north of 2nd Street to Walnut Street. These projects are part of 66 funded in this cycle of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Screenshot of State Senator Li Arellano's May 22 Facebook post | State Senator Li Arellano's Facebook page

The IDOT has awarded $139.2 million in what it describes as its largest funding cycle ever, facilitated by the Pritzker administration’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. This record funding level allowed unprecedented resources for local projects, with approximately 74% of funds directed to communities demonstrating the greatest need. Governor J.B. Pritzker said, "The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program is a crucial part of Rebuild Illinois, helping make travel safer and more accessible in the communities that need it most." He added, "Today, I’m proud to announce the largest investment in the program’s history, with more than $139 million going toward bike lanes, sidewalks, trails and other local improvements."

Applicants were required to submit various documents for ITEP funding. These included detailed cost estimates, location maps for each project, IDOT allowance letters (if applicable), budgets, multiple risk assessments, and affidavits disclosing any conflicts of interest. Additionally, applicants could provide optional materials such as evidence of public involvement, letters of support, and photos of the project area.

Arellano previously served two terms as Mayor of Dixon and owns several businesses including two Jimmy John’s franchises and a frozen yogurt shop called the Frosted Spoon. Shaw Local reported he campaigned on promises to address issues following Rita Crundwell’s $54 million fraud case during her tenure as Dixon's treasurer from 1983 to 2012.