Wednesday, March 13, 2024   |   View in browser

City of Evanston Receives $400,000 Grant from Cook County for Sidewalk Improvements

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston has received a $400,000 grant from the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) as part of its Invest in Cook initiative. The grant will help fund the City’s Sidewalk Improvement Program, a City-funded sidewalk replacement and gap infill program that aims to provide safe pathways for pedestrians to travel throughout the City.

Cook County is providing funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and has allocated $25 million to expand its Invest in Cook grant program, an effort to address transportation infrastructure needs throughout Cook County. Funding priority is given to projects that support transit and other transportation alternatives, promote equal access to opportunities, and maintain and modernize what already exists.

The $400,000 grant awarded to Evanston signifies a strategic investment in sidewalk improvements, aligning with the City's dedication to accessibility, equity, and pedestrian safety.

This grant adds to Cook County's continued support for Evanston's infrastructure development. Notably, The City has already received $500,000 in grant funding to support traffic calming measures and sidewalk improvements along the Oakton Street Corridor and another $500,000 in grant funding to support sidewalk improvements along Main Street.

Evanston previously revamped its sidewalk program in 2021, replacing the 50/50 sidewalk initiative with a fully City-funded Sidewalk Improvement Program. Motivated by equity and pedestrian safety considerations, this change has seen successful implementation in 2022 and 2023.

“Through recent changes in sidewalk and crosswalk policies, the City Council has focused on safety improvements for all pedestrians, whether they are commuting to work, walking to school, or just taking an evening stroll,” said Lara Biggs, Capital Planning & Engineering Bureau Chief. “The City is fortunate to have a partnership with an government entity like Cook County that shares the priorities of ADA compliance and equity for our most vulnerable community members.”

For more information, please call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.

Media Contact: Jessie Mayo
jmayo@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8041