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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
TO APPLY AND ACCEPT ILLINOIS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS
WHEREAS, The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”) is applying for a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP); and
WHEREAS, the ITEP grant, if funded, would provide funding for the construction of a 0.3 mile extension of the Sand Ridge Bicycle Trail along Torrence Avenue to Camp Shabbona in South Holland, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, this extension will not only provide access from Camp Shabbona to the Burnham Trail, but will also provide an important linkage to other community assets including the Preserves’ Green Lake Aquatic Center and Sand Ridge Nature Center, as well as local businesses and amenities. This will allow patrons of the campground to easily and safely access the local Preserves’ amenities without having to use their vehicles; and
WHEREAS, this proposed trail extension project advances the goals of the Preserves’ Next Century Conservation Plan to increase connectivity between people and nature and increase usership of the Preserves’ amenities. The priorities for this grant program are to expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and environmental aspects of our transportation infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Preserves is submitting a grant request for $272,080.00 and will provide a match not to exceed $68,200.00 that represents a 20% match of the total project cost; and
WHEREAS, if awarded, the project would begin 10/1/2016 and end 10/1/2019; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners does endorse this project and, if grant funds are awarded, approves the proposed expenditure of $68,200.00 in funds referenced above by the Preserves.
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