Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP)

ITEP project application submittal cycle begins August 1, 2026 (8:00 am CST) and ends October 5, 2026 (5:00pm CST)

ITEP Application Account Setup Instructions

ITEP Guidelines

Project applications must be submitted through the ITEP application portal. Information must be complete and accurate.

ITEP is considered fully GATA exempt pursuant 30 ILCS 708/45(a)

The sponsor is the eligible entity with taxing authority to guarantee matching funds to carry out the proposed project. The Sponsor must be recognized by the Illinois Department of Transportation as a Local Public Agency and must be registered through SAM.gov to accept a federal grant (show proof of an active Unique Entity Identifier [UEI]). An applicant can be any representative working on behalf of the sponsor to complete the ITEP application. The applicant should be experienced with the ITEP grant process and familiar with the project. The applicant will be a primary point of contact for all communications relating to the application and all documents attached to the application.

Required Attachments:

1. Resolution of Financial Commitment (example language)
2. Detailed Cost Estimate (example format)
3. Detailed Project Location Map
4. IDOT Allowance Letter (if applicable)
5. BoBS 2831 – Uniform Grant Agreement Affidavit of Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest - Grantee (By default, please include John Paris’ name in the section labeled Name of Grantor’s employee or officer, Thank you)

Optional Attachments:

1. Public Involvement Documentation
2. Letters of Support
3. Pictures of Project Area

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

2024 Awarded Projects (Cycle 16)

2024 Non-Awarded Projects (Cycle 16)

2022 Awarded Projects (Cycle 15)

2022 Non-Awarded Projects (Cycle 15)

2020 Awarded Projects (Cycle 14)

2020 Non-Awarded Projects (Cycle 14)

The sponsor is the eligible entity with taxing authority to guarantee matching funds to carry out the proposed project. The Sponsor must be recognized by the Illinois Department of Transportation as a Local Public Agency and must be registered through SAM.gov to accept a federal grant (show proof of an active Unique Entity Identifier [UEI]). The point of contact for the sponsor must be the senior representative authorized to accept financial liability for the grant. Sponsors must be able to comply with all federal and State laws and regulations, and IDOT policies and procedures. The sponsor has the responsibility and accountability for the implementation of the project. Jointly sponsored projects must identify a lead sponsor. It is the responsibility of the sponsor(s) to obtain support from all affected jurisdictions.

An applicant can be any representative working on behalf of the sponsor to complete the ITEP application. The applicant should be experienced with the ITEP grant process and familiar with the project. The applicant will be a primary point of contact for all communications relating to the application and all documents attached to the application.

The project sponsor or sponsor’s representative is responsible for the following:

• Secure required sponsor match through cash, right-of-way donations, or other means
• Coordinate project with IDOT District ITEP Coordinator/staff; conduct kick-off meeting
• Provide a project milestone schedule
• Provide project status or timeline upon request
• Schedule start dates for all types of work according to the award notification letter and Sunset Clause
• Acquire local assurance from the proper authorities to ensure commitment
• Complete environmental documents, clearances, permits and mitigation
• Ensure necessary environmental studies and sign-off by appropriate federal, state and local agencies
• Enter into joint funding agreements
• Complete preliminary engineering
• Acquire necessary right-of-way and easements, if needed
• Prepare contract plans
• Perform utility relocations, as required
• Pay for the cost of all ineligible items
• Manage, administer, and implement the project; and
• Maintain the project after completion

1. Pedestrian/bicycle facilities (on-road and off-road); sidewalks
2. Conversion of abandoned railroad corridors to trails
3. Streetscapes (stand-alone landscape projects are ineligible)
4. Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities
5. Vegetation management in transportation rights-of-way
6. Archaeological activities relating to impacts from implementation of a transportation project
7. Storm water management, control and water pollution prevention or abatement related to highway construction or due to highway runoff
8. Reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or restore and maintain connectivity among terrestrial or aquatic habitats
9. Construction of Turnouts, Overlooks, and Viewing Areas

• Any work done prior to a notice to proceed or executed agreement will not be reimbursed.
• Operation and maintenance costs along with contingency and inflation fees are ineligible for ITEP funds. Road work (e.g., resurfacing) and parking lot improvements that support cars, trucks, and buses are ineligible for ITEP funds.
• See Section B: Program Categories in ITEP Guidelines for category specific eligibility.

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1. Illinois Metropolitan Planning Organizations and IDOT MPO Managers
2. Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Implementation Guidance as Revised by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (March 30, 2022)
3. BIP-IIJA | FHWA | TA Set-Aside Fact Sheet
4. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
5. The Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards
6. Federal-aid Essentials for Local Public Agencies
7. System Award Management (SAM.gov)
8. Active Transportation Alliance to view technical assistance webinars.