ILLINOIS

TA Program Structure, Policies, and Procedures

• Application timeline: Applications open on 8/1/22 and close on 9/30/22. Please see website for more information.
• TA program structure: ITEP is a reimbursable grant program, which requires an interagency/joint funding agreement that details the project scope of work and cost participation. 
• Application tips: Projects must have an eligible sponsor, related to surface transportation, fit within one of the eligible categories, be selected through a competitive process and comply with any additional IDOT policies as outlined in the guidelines. 
• Who is eligible to apply: Local government, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource or public land agencies, school districts, non-profit partners, tribal governments, MPOs representing a population of 200,000 or fewer, and the State at the request of another eligible entity
• Application components: Community Score through GIS mapping tool, uniform grant application, risk assessment, budget, affidavit of disclosure of conflicts of interest, government resolution, cost estimate, project map, allowance letter, colored photographs, public involvement, letter of support
• Selection criteria: Eligibility, strength of transportation relationship, category intent, public benefits and accessibility, cost effectiveness, project support and local commitment, connectivity to existing facilities, prior sponsor investment, inclusion in TIP or STIP, planning and coordination, project sponsor capacity and past performance, project readiness, land acquisition, ROW, engineering status, application completeness, safety improvements
• Is there an advisory committee?: Yes
• Advisory committee members: Reviewers consist of MPOs, IDOT districts, other state agencies and internal IDOT staff
• Project award minimum: None
• Project award maximum: $3 million
• Matching policies: Up to 20%; the match is determined on a sliding scale based on the Community Map score

More information on ITEP can be found here.