Mason highlights bike path grants

GURNEE – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is promoting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Bike Path Grant Program and encouraging local townships and municipalities to apply for funding through the initiative.

“Bike paths make our communities safer and healthier, but it can be difficult for governments to secure funding to create or expand recreational trails, especially during the economic crisis we’re experiencing,” Mason said in a news release. “This grant program is a great opportunity for local governing bodies to get the resources they need to move forward with bike path projects that they may have put on hold due to the pandemic.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Bike Path Grant Program has $1 million in available funds to award to local governing bodies to create, expand or repair bicycle trails. Grants will be awarded to cover half of the cost of bike path projects. Applications opened Jan. 2 and will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 2. To apply or find more information, visit www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/BikePathProgram.aspx.

“We are fortunate to have many existing bike paths in Lake County, but a large number of our trails remain separated by heavily traveled roadways, which can make it difficult for cyclists to utilize all of the paths here to their fullest potential,” Mason said. “These grants can go a long way in connecting and developing bike paths in Lake County. I encourage all of our local units of government to consider applying.”