Illinois Competitive Freight Program

IDOT Competitive Freight Program Call For Projects

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking project proposals for a new competitive grant program that aims to improve the mobility of freight throughout the State of Illinois. Applications are due December 19th. Total funding of approximately $200 million in National Highway Freight Program funds will be available through 2026. Approximately 30 percent of annual funding will be made available for intermodal rail and water projects.

Administered by IDOT using federal funds, the competitive grant program will be used to create a freight investment plan that will become part of the 2022 Illinois State Freight Plan update currently being developed. Successful proposals will address one or more goal areas which include Safety, Reliability, System Enhancements, Operational Needs, Truck Parking, Modal Connectivity, and Mode Shift.

Eligible applicants include local, state, or federal governmental agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions. Project proposals from a private entity must have a public sponsor. The anticipated time frame for announcements of awards is Spring 2023.

A webinar to answer questions and provide additional information about the grant program will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The webinar can be accessed as follows:

Webinar Recording

November 18, 2022 webinar

Key Dates

November 15, 2022
Application period opens

December 19, 2022 (11:59:59pm CDT)
Application Deadline

January 19, 2023
ISFAC Reviews Project List

February, 2023
Finalize Rankings

Spring, 2023
2023 Awards List

Resources

IDOT Webinar slideshow

Frequently Asked Questions

CSFA: https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html

Application: Online application | Printable application

Guidance: Competitive Freight Application Guidance

Interactive Map: Priority Freight Network (PFN) Interactive Map

Finance Table: Financial Table

Project Cost Estimate: BDE 213

Non-IDOT applicants must submit:

Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Application
GATA Budget Template (right click, save to your desktop and open that copy)
GATA Conflict of Interest form (right click, save to your desktop and open that copy)

Non-IDOT applicants must comply with GATA, which includes logging into the Grantee portal and completing the following:

Registration
Pre-Qualification
Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ)
Indirect Cost Information

One-on-one assistance to prospective applicants will also be available. Please email DOT.ILFreightPlanning@illinois.gov to request assistance.

Call For Projects Archive

The Illinois Department of Transportation has completed solicitation of applications for a new competitive grant program that aims to improve the mobility of freight at the local level. Applications were due April 6 for up to $225 million in National Highway Freight Program funds to be distributed through 2022.

The efficient movement of goods and services is central to what makes Illinois the transportation hub of North America. IDOT is excited to offer this exciting opportunity to invest in our communities and help them arrive at solutions that will generate economic activity, create jobs and enhance the quality of life for their residents.

Administered by IDOT using federal funds, the competitive grant program is designed to implement the goals of the Illinois State Freight Plan to improve safety, boost efficiency and grow the economy. Successful proposals will include plans to reduce bottlenecks, improve freight-related safety, increase intermodal accessibility to freight corridors and enhance efficiency through the strategic deployment of technology. Applications we've received from local agencies, the regional planning commissions, the State DOT, and other transportation authorities.

Application and qualification information is below. Grant awards will be announced by June.

IDOT received 46 applications requesting close to $600 million in freight funds.

Please see the attached ISFAC powerpoint presentation where we presented the preliminary rankings by project category.