File #: 20-278    Version: 1 Name: Resolution Auth ITEP Extending Rock Island Greenway
Type: Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 10/1/2020 In control: City Council
On agenda: 11/10/2020 Final action: 11/10/2020
Title: Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a RESOLUTION in Support of an Application to the Illinois Department of Transportation for Funding Under the 2020 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) for Extending the ROCK ISLAND GREENWAY Multi-Use Path (from Park Avenue to the Existing Riverfront Trail on Spring Street). (Council District 1)
Attachments: 1. Resolution ITEP Grant for Extending Rock Island Greenway, 2. 20-278 RESOLUTION.pdf, 3. 20-278 Signed Agreement_0001
ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a RESOLUTION in Support of an Application to the Illinois Department of Transportation for Funding Under the 2020 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) for Extending the ROCK ISLAND GREENWAY Multi-Use Path (from Park Avenue to the Existing Riverfront Trail on Spring Street). (Council District 1)

Body
BACKGROUND: With the adoption of the Complete Streets Policy and citywide Bicycle Master Plan, the City of Peoria recognizes the needs and benefits of providing non-motorized transportation options for citizens and visitors. Those programs are intended to guide Peoria to become a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly community, by setting guidelines and priorities for future plans and projects. As Peoria becomes more bicycle friendly, the many benefits of providing healthy alternatives to driving should be realized by the citizens of Peoria.

A major non-motorized route, which is designated in the Bicycle Master Plan, is the Rock Island Greenway, a part of the Rock Island Trail system. This rails to trails path is intended to provide a complete north-south trail through the City. As a rails to trails off-street trail, it currently terminates at Harvard Avenue, just north of War Memorial Drive/US 150. South of this location, the trail is routed on city streets and through Springdale Cemetery. This inconvenient and difficult detour through Springdale Cemetery is the only route for users of the Rock Island Trail system to access areas south of War Memorial Drive, which limits use for commuting and is challenging for less able riders. The City has received grant funding for portions of this planned extension and construction plans have been developed. The project is anticipated to be constructed in 2021.

To help provide the City funds to further continue the work of extending the rails to trails Rock Island Greenway south of Park...

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