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IL HB3630

IL HB3630
TRANSIT-TO-TRAILS PROGRAM


summary

Introduced
02/07/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
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 the Transit-to-Trails Grant Program, which will be administered by the Illinois Secretary of Transportation to provide annual grants that help people access public outdoor recreation sites using public transportation. The program aims to support projects that improve transit connections to nature-based activities like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Eligible grant recipients include public transit agencies, parks and conservation districts, local government units, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations focused on outdoor recreation. When evaluating grant applications, the Department of Transportation will prioritize projects that enhance access to outdoor recreation for populations with the greatest need, with a specific focus on residents in R3 Areas (a designation from the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act that typically identifies communities disproportionately impacted by previous cannabis enforcement). Potential grant-funded projects could include expanding transit service routes, developing new infrastructure like transit stops or bicycle facilities, and creating public outreach efforts to encourage transit use and outdoor recreation access. The implementation of this grant program is subject to funding appropriation by the Illinois General Assembly.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 03/21/2025)

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