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Call for projects: Communities can apply now for surface transportation project funding
To help realize the regional principles of ON TO 2050 and help communities prosper through transportation investments, CMAP is currently accepting funding applications for surface transportation projects.
The call for projects opened January 17, and it lasts through Friday, March 10.
These programs can help fund projects that improve safety, transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities. They also help address freight and traffic movement, repair bridges, reconstruct roads, and invest in alternative fuel vehicles and equipment.
Funding for these projects will be distributed through the federal sources that CMAP manages, including the regional Surface Transportation Program Shared Fund, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, the locally programmed Transportation Alternatives Program, and the new Carbon Reduction Program.
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) means more money is available for programming these funds. IIJA also created the Carbon Reduction Program, which provides another funding source for projects designed to reduce transportation emissions.
Interested parties can learn more about the call for projects through two upcoming informational sessions:
- An informational webinar at 10 a.m., Friday, January 20, will cover the different funding programs and eligible projects
- A virtual Q-and-A session from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, January 25. Attendees can ask questions of staff at any time during the two-hour session.
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Mobility Recovery report lays groundwork to address post-pandemic travel, transit changes
The Mobility Recovery report includes recommendations to reimagine mobility and ensure a stronger multimodal system that can ease congestion, sustain transit, bolster sustainable travel, and better support the region.
This two-year effort — supported through extensive research, analysis, and outreach — tracked trends to better understand how our region’s transportation needs evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified numerous strategies to address these challenges.
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) developed the report in partnership with more than 20 local governments, transportation providers, transit advocates, and other organizations in northeastern Illinois.
The report identifies solutions that can:
- Invest in a stronger and more financially secure transit system
- Expand travel by safe and active modes
- Balance the benefits and impacts of e-commerce and freight activity
"The pandemic has created new challenges for northeastern Illinois’ transportation system and intensified many longstanding disparities,” said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman. “The Mobility Recovery report provides a blueprint to help people and goods move through our region sustainably and equitably for decades to come.”
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New booklet showcases priority projects in northeastern Illinois
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) creates a transformational opportunity to strengthen northeastern Illinois’ transportation system, which has a far-reaching impact on the economic strength and resiliency of Illinois, the Midwest, and the nation.
CMAP worked with partners and stakeholders throughout northeastern Illinois to prioritize and achieve consensus around big, bold, sustainable solutions to our region’s transportation challenges. The highest priority projects for the region are reflected in an IIJA booklet for partners and transportation professionals.
These projects align with the core principles that guide IIJA and our region — inclusive growth, resilience, and prioritized investment. With support from IIJA, we are ready to rebuild and reimagine our infrastructure so that it is equitable, sustainable, resilient, accessible, and safer for our nearly 8.6 million residents.
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Public feedback welcomed for Moving South Cook County truck routing study
CMAP and the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways want to hear your thoughts on truck routing in southern Cook County.
Both organizations are conducting the Moving South Cook County truck routing and communities study covering areas south and north of Interstate 80. Designated truck routes can lead to strategic investments and better access to railyards and other major freight-generating facilities while promoting economic development and safety in communities.
The public can provide feedback through a quick community survey and interactive map. The deadline to submit is Friday, January 27. Community input will help the project team develop final recommendations for the study.
The Moving South Cook County study covers the communities of Alsip, Blue Island, Burnham, Calumet Park, Calumet City, Chicago Heights. Crestwood, Dixmoor, Dolton, East Hazel Crest, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Lansing, Lynwood, Markham, Phoenix, Posen, Riverdale, Robbins, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, South Holland, and Thornton.
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Traffic and transit ridership continues to shift
The ways people and goods move through northeastern Illinois has changed significantly in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The region’s roads are more congested while transit ridership has steadily increased from early pandemic lows. Crashes involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable users have also become more deadly.
CMAP recently updated its ongoing analysis of northeastern Illinois’ transportation system — roads, transit, freight rail, and safety. The update provides a snapshot of how travel has changed in northeastern Illinois since the pandemic began in early 2020 through fall 2022.
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New technical assistance projects to address local transportation improvements
CMAP recently selected more than 20 communities for its technical assistance program to help support transportation improvements and address other long-term planning needs throughout northeastern Illinois.
CMAP will work with communities and organizations to strengthen compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), plan for improvements that protect bicyclists and pedestrians, better prepare for grant opportunities, and other projects. The program this year includes work to develop seven pavement management plans, five ADA plans, and three bicycle and pedestrian plans.
"CMAP has a long history of preparing communities for better futures,” said Executive Director Erin Aleman. "These projects foster collaboration throughout the region, making our communities safer and more prosperous. We look forward to building a stronger region where all communities can thrive together."
The communities and organizations in the 2023 technical assistance group includes:
- Alsip
- Berwyn
- Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community
- Chicago Heights
- Diamond
- Franklin Park
- Ford Heights
- Greater Ashburn Development Association
- Hickory Hills
- La Grange Park
- Lake Villa
- Lansing
- Lemont
- Lincolnwood
- Marengo
- Maple Park
- Midlothian
- Newark
- Richmond
- South Holland
- Summit
- Wilmington
- Western Cook County (Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Hillside, and Westchester)
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