Agencies
Services
Eligible Sponsors
Eligible sponsors are eligible entities with taxing authority that can guarantee matching funds to carry out the proposed project. Sponsors assume responsibility and accountability for the use and expenditure of program funds. Sponsors must be able to comply with all the federal and state laws and regulations, IDOT policies and procedures.
Under 23 U.S.C. 133(h)(4)(a), the eligible entities (project sponsors) to receive ITEP funds are:
- local governments
- regional transportation authorities
- transit agencies
- natural resource or public land agencies
- school districts, local education agencies, or schools
- tribal governments
- nonprofit entities
- MPO that represents an area with a population 200,000 or fewer
- a State, at the request of another eligible entity; and
- any other local or regional governmental entity with responsibility for oversight of transportation that the State determines to be eligible.
MPOs representing urbanized areas over 200,000 population are not eligible entities (23 U.S.C. 133(h)(4)(A)(ix)). State DOTs and MPOs may partner with any eligible entity project sponsor to carry out a project.
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
