Quincy Reporter

State Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy extended congratulations to the city leaders of Rushville and Pittsfield for securing state funding aimed at enhancing local road infrastructure. Rushville has been allocated $1.3 million, while Pittsfield will receive $1.6 million. These funds are part of a broader initiative by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), which announced on May 21 that both cities are among 66 transportation projects selected statewide under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP).

Senator Tracy remarked on the competitive nature of the funding, noting, “Funding for these projects is competitive. Rushville and Pittsfield are to be commended for being among 66 projects across Illinois that will share $139.2 million in project funding.” She highlighted that the awards were based on factors such as community readiness, connection to transportation networks, public support, and benefits.

The funding will facilitate specific improvements in each city. Rushville's allocation of $1,295,362 will go towards reconstructing Lafayette Street with new brick pavers, enhanced street and pedestrian lighting, sidewalk rebuilding, and streetscaping efforts.

In Pittsfield, the received amount of $1,647,091 is earmarked for the second phase of its downtown reconstruction project. This phase includes widening sidewalks for ADA compliance and adding features such as brick paver accents and historically accurate street lighting. The project also plans for landscaping enhancements with ornamental trees, benches, decorative sign frames, and posts.

The ITEP aims to support community-based projects that enhance travel options while improving cultural and environmental aspects within Illinois' transportation infrastructure. In this funding cycle alone, IDOT received 233 applications totaling an estimated $383 million in requests.