PEORIA – To enhance much-needed transportation improvements across the state, State Senator Dave Koehler joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in announcing nearly $9.5 million for 20 organizations to support their planning and developing efforts, including $300,000 for the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission.

“Before breaking ground on transportation projects, it’s important for local groups to have completed research on the impact of these developments on the local ecosystem, infrastructure, and more to prevent potential issues,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This investment will allow for many local projects around the state, including in Peoria, to complete this research more efficiently, allowing for the projects to commence and result in economic growth.”

Administered by IDOT using $7.5 million in federal funds, the grants are designed to advance the objectives of the agency’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Among the criteria considered were projects that implement asset-management strategies and performance-based planning and programming, as well as activities that grow and support economically distressed areas.

Applicants included local and state agencies, universities, metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions. The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, located in Koehler’s district, will receive $300,000 in funds for the Peoria County comprehensive and multi-modal plan.

“We at IDOT are thrilled to join with these communities to help them forge a more robust, inclusive and safe transportation system for the future,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “At IDOT, under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, planning is at the core of everything we do. These grants will further those efforts with our local partners and support areas of Illinois where help is needed the most and can do the most good.”

For the full list of awards and breakdown of funding sources, visit IDOT’s planning page.