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A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Invest in Cook Grant Application for the 2026 Neighborhood Greenway Construction Project
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Introduction
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The Cook County Department of Highways recently announced a call for applications for their Invest in Cook grants. The Engineering Division is currently working on the design of the Neighborhood Greenway bike system and staff recommends submitting a grant application to help fund construction of the system in 2026.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways recently announced $8.5 million in transportation funds for Invest in Cook grants to help cover the cost of planning and feasibility studies, engineering, and construction associated with improvements consistent with the County’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Grant applications are due on March 21, 2025, with an anticipated award notice in July.
The Engineering Division, with consultant support from V3 Companies and TYLin, is currently designing the Neighborhood Greenway bike system. Construction of the Neighborhood Greenway system is planned for 2025 and 2026. Staff recommends applying for the Invest in Cook funds to help fund construction of the system in 2026 since the Neighborhood Greenway system aligns with the County’s Connecting Cook County’s plan for prioritizing transit and other transportation alternatives.
The Village has previously been awarded Invest in Cook grant funds in 2024 for the construction of the 2025 Neighborhood Greenway bike system and in 2019 to help fund the resurfacing of Lake Street from Euclid to Austin. These grant funds are relatively simple to administer.
Timing Considerations
The Cook County Invest in Cook grant application is due March 21, 2025.
Budget Impact
There is no cost associated with the grant application for this project. The Capital Improvement Plan identifies $1.9 Million for the construction of the Neighborhood Greenway System in 2026. Based on limited available funds for this grant program and typical awarded grant amounts, staff will request approximately $200,000 in grant funds to help support the construction of the Neighborhood Greenway System in 2026.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
The improvements align with Climate Action Goals CA01, VT01-2, VT09, and TS01 to improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle emissions by creating more opportunities for bicycle travel.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution, which will allow for the potential to receive grant funds to cover the cost associated with constructing the Neighborhood Greenway system.
Advantages:
• This action will allow for the submission of the grant application.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can vote down the resolution.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this action.
Disadvantages:
• This action is in misalignment with the Climate Action Plan and Bike Plans.
Anticipated Future Actions
Should the Village of Oak Park be awarded the Invest in Cook Grant, the Village will need to enter into an IGA with Cook County for these funds.
Prepared By: Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution