summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program through which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities for projects that facilitate travel by public transportation to public outdoor recreation sites for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, picnicking, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, or other nature-based activities. Provides that the Secretary shall offer grants through the Transit-to-Trails program on an annual basis. Requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the program. Provides that, in considering grant applications, the Department shall prioritize projects with demonstrated intent to enhance access to outdoor recreation opportunities for populations in greatest need of improved access to outdoor nature-based recreation. Requires the Department to provide technical assistance in preparing grant applications to applicants upon request. Provides that implementation of the grant program is subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new Transit-to-Trails Grant Program within the Illinois Department of Transportation to provide annual grants that help people access outdoor recreation sites using public transportation. The program will fund projects that improve transit connections to outdoor activity areas like parks, hiking trails, and fishing spots, with eligible recipients including public transit agencies, park districts, conservation districts, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Specifically, the grants can support expanded transit services, infrastructure improvements like new transit stops or bike facilities, and public outreach efforts to encourage use of transit for outdoor recreation. The bill emphasizes prioritizing projects that enhance access for communities with the greatest need, particularly focusing on residents in R3 Areas (a term from the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act likely referring to communities disproportionately impacted by previous cannabis enforcement). The implementation of the grant program is contingent upon funding appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly, meaning actual grants will depend on available state budget resources. The Department of Transportation will be responsible for developing specific rules to manage the program and will offer technical assistance to potential grant applicants.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments (on 06/02/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1791&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB1791.htm |
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